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FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY 

PUBLICATION  No.  215 
ZOOLOGICAL  SERIES  VOL.  XV 


THE  MARINE  FISHES  OF  PANAMA 

BY 

SETH  E.  MEEK 

Late  Assistant  Curator,  Department  of  Zoology 
AND 

SAMUEL  F.  HILDEBRAND 

Scientific  Assistant,  U.  S.  Bureau  of  Fisheries 
PART  I 


WILFRED  H.  OSGOOD 
Curator,  Department  of  Zoology 


CHICAGO,  U.  S.  A. 
December  20,  1923 


- 


FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY 

PUBLICATION  No.  215 
ZOOLOGICAL  SERIES  VOL.  XV 


THE  MARINE  FISHES  OF  PANAMA 

BY 

SETH  E.  MEEK 

Late  Assistant  Curator,  Department  of  Zoology 
AND 

SAMUEL  F.  HILDEBRAND 

Scientific  Assistant,  U.  S.  Bureau  of  Fisheries 
PART  I 


WILFRED  H.  OSGOOD 
Curator,  Department  of  Zoology 


CHICAGO,  U.  S.  A. 
December  20,  1923 


Clo   p.  •»- 


CONTENTS  OF  PART  I 

Contents  of  Part  I  

List  of  Plates  in  Part  I 

List  of  new  Genera  and  Species  in  Part  I 

Introduction          

Ichthyological  History  of  the  Isthmus  of  Panama  . 

The  Geographical  Features  of  the  Coasts  of  Panama 

Where  and  how  Collections  were  made       .... 

General   Remarks   on   Distribution 

Table  of  Distribution 

Does  the  Panama  Canal  provide  a  Passageway  across 
the  Isthmus  for  Marine  Fishes? 

The  Commercial  Fishes  of  Panama 

The  Scope  of  the  Catalogue 

Explanatory    Notes          

Key  to  the  Families 


Page 

V 

IX 

XI 

i 

3 
4 
5 
7 
ii 

ii 

12 

13 
14 
15 


CLASSES,  ORDERS,  FAMILIES,  AND  GENERA  INCLUDED  IN 

PART  I 


Page 

Class  I.  LEPTOCARDII 

Order  I.  Amphioxi 

Family  I.  Branchiostomidae 

THE   LANCELETS 

1.  Branchiostoma    Costa    ...    27 

Class  II.  ELASMOBRANCHII 
Order  II.   Asterospondyli 
Family  II.  Orectolobidae 
THE  NURSE  SHARKS 

2.  Ginglymostoma      Muller      & 

Henle 29 

Family  III.   Galeorhinidae 

3.  Galeorhinus   Blainville  ...    31 

Family  IV.  Carcharhinidae 

4.  Carcharhinus  Blainville      .     .  36 

5.  Hyppprion  Muller  &  Henle   .  50 

6.  Scoliodon  Muller  &  Henle     .  51 

7.  Galeocerdo  Muller  &  Henle  .  56 


Page 

Family  V.  Cestraciontidae 
THE  HAMMER-HEAD  SHARKS 

8.  Cestracion  Klein 57 

Family  VI.  Vulpeculidae 
THE  THRESHER  SHARKS 

9.  Vulpecula    Valmont       ...    62 

Family  VII.   Isuridae 

THE  MACKEREL  SHARKS 

10.  Carcharodon    Smith       ...    63 

Order  III.   Cyclospondyli 

Family  VIII.  Squalidae 

THE  DOG-FISHES 

11.  Squalus   Linnaeus       .     ,     .     .     64 

Order  IV.  Batoidei 

Family  IX.    Pristidae 

THE  SAWFISHES 

12.  Pristis    Klein    . 


Page 

Family  X.    Rhinobatidae 
THE  GUITAR  FISHES 

13.  Rhinobatus  Klein       ....     67 

Family  XL  Rajidae 
THE  SKATES 

14.  Raja   Linnaeus 71 

Family  XII.  Narcaciontidae 
THE  ELECTRIC  RAYS 

15.  Narcine  Henle 72 

16.  Discopyge  Tschudi    ....     74 

Family  XIII.  Dasybatidae 
THE  STING  RAYS 

17.  Dasybatus  Klein 75 

18.  Urotrygon   Gill 82 

19.  Urobatis   Garman       ....  85 

20.  Pteroplatea  Miiller  &  Henle  .  86 

Family  XIV.  Myliobatidae 
THE  EAGLE  RAYS 

21.  Aetobatus  Blainville  ....    88 

22.  Myliobatis    Cuvier     ....    90 

23.  Pteromylaeus   Garman   ...    91 

Family  XV.   Mobulidae 
THE  SEA  DEVILS 

24.  Mobula    Rafinesque    ....     93 

25.  Manta  Bancroft 94 

Class  III.  TELEOSTOMI 

Order  V.   Nematognathi 

Family  XVI.  Siluridae 

THE  CATFISHES 

26.  Felichthys  Swainson      .     .         96 

27.  Selenaspis  Bleeker      .     .     .        101 

28.  Sciadeichthys   Bleeker   .     .        103 

29.  Galeichthys  Cuv.  &  Valen.        104 

30.  Netuma  Bleeker    ....        112 

31.  Arius  Cuv.  &  Valen.     .     .        122 

32.  Cathorops  Jordan  &  Gilbert     129 

Order  VI.  Synbranchia 
Family  XVII.  Synbranchidae 

33.  Synbranchus   Bloch   .     .     .     .131 

Order  VII.    Carenchelyi 
Family  XVIII.  Derichthyidaa 

34.  Gorgasia  gen.  nov 133 


Page 

Order  VIII.  Apodes 
Family  XIX.  Anguillidae 

THE  TRUE  EELS 
35.  Anguilla    Shaw 134 


Family  XX.    Leptocephalidae 
THE  CONGER  EELS 

36.  Leptocephalus  Gronow  . 

37.  Ariosoma    Swainson 


137 
138 


Family  XXI.  Murasnesocidae 

38.  Muraenesox   McClelland     .     .  141 

39.  Hoplunnis    Kaup 143 

40.  Neoconger   Girard     ....  144 


Family  XXII.    Myridse 

THE  WORM  EELS 
41.  Myrophis  Liitken       .     .    . 


145 


Family  XXIII.  Ophichthyidae 

42.  Pisodonophis  Kaup    .    .     .     .147 

43.  Myrichthys    Girard    .     .     .     .149 

44.  Bascanichthys  Jord.  &  Davis  151 

45.  Ophichthus  Ahl 153 

Family  XXIV.  Muraenidae 
THE  MORAYS 

46.  Rabula  Jordan  &  Davis     .     .  161 

47.  Gymnothorax  Bloch       .     .     .  161 

48.  Murasna    Linnaeus      ....  168 

49.  Echidna    Forster 170 

Order  IX.    Isospondyli 

Family  XXV.   Elopidae 

THE  TARPONS 

50.  Tarpon  Jord.  &  Everm.     .     .  173 

51.  Elops    Linnaeus 175 

Family  XXVI.  Albulidae 
THE  BONEFISH  OR  LADYFISH 

52.  Albula    Gronow 177 


Family  XXVII.    Clupeidae 
THE   HERRINGS 


53.  Clupanodon   Lacepede   . 

54.  Sardinella  Cuv.  &  Valen. 

55.  Opisthonema    Gill      .     . 

56.  Ilisha  Gray 

57.  Opisthopterus   Gill     .     . 

58.  Odontognathus  Lacepede 


180 
181 
186 
189 
191 
193 


VI 


Page 

Family  XXVIII.  Engraulidse 
THE  ANCHOVIES 

59.  Anchovia  Jord.   &   Everm.     .  196 

60.  Lycengraulis    Giinther   .     .     .211 

61.  Centengraulis   Giinther       .     .  212 


Order  X.   Iniomi 

Family  XXIX.   Synodontidae 

THE  LIZARD-FISHES 

62.  Synodus    Scopoli 215 

63.  Trachinocephalus   Gill   .     .     .  222 

Order  XI.  Synentognathi 
Family  XXX.    Belonidae  - 
THE   NEEDLEFISHES 

64.  Tylosurus    Cocco       ....  224 

65.  Ablennes  Jord.  &  Ford.     .     .  231 

Family  XXXI.   Hemirhamphidae 

66.  Hemirhamphus    Cuvier      .     .  233 

67.  Hyporhamphus  Gill  ....  236 

Family  XXXII.  Exocoetidse 
THE  FLYING  FISHES 

68.  Fodiator  Jordan  &  Meek          243 


69.  Parexocoetus    Bleeker 

70.  Exoccetus   Linnaeus   .     . 

71.  Exonautes  Jord.  &  Everm 

72.  Cypselurus  Swainson 


244 
244 
244 
245 


Order  XII.  Hemibranchii 

Family  XXXIII.  Fistulariidae 

THE   CORNET-FISHES 

73.  Fistularia    Linnaeus    ....  248 

Order  XIII.   Lophobranchii 

Family  XXXIV.  Syngnathidae 

THE  PIPE-FISHES 

74.  Hippocampus  Rafinesque  .     .  255 

75.  Syngnathus   Linnaeus     .     .     .  256 

76.  Doryrhamphus  Kaup     .     .     .261 


Page 

Order  XIV.  Acanthopteri 

Family  XXXV.  Atherinidae 

THE   SILVERSIDES 

77.  Atherina  Linnaeus 263 

78.  Atherinella   Steindachner   .     .  265 

79.  Menidia  Bonaparte    ....  266 

80.  Kirtlandia  Jord.  &  Everm.     .  268 

81.  Mugilops  gen.  nov 271 

Family  XXXVI.  Mugilidae 
THE  MULLETS 

82.  Mugil    Linnaeus 273 

83.  Chasnomugil  Gill 281 

Family  XXXVII.    Sphyrsenidae 
THE  BARRACUDAS 

84.  Sphyraena    Klein 283 

Family  XXXVIII.    Polynemidae 

THE  THREADFINS 

85.  Polynemus  Linnaeus  ....  289 

Family  XXXIX.  Holocentridse 
THE  SQUIRREL-FISHES 

86.  Myripristis   Cuvier     ....  293 

87.  Holocentrus   Gronow     .     .     .  296 

88.  Plectrypops   Gill 301 

Family  XL.   Mullidae 
THE  SURMULLETS 

89.  Upeneus   Cuvier 303 

Family  XLI.    Scombridse 
THE  MACKERELS 

90.  Scomber   Linnaeus     ....  308 

91.  Gymnosarda  Gill 310 

92.  Auxis    Cuvier 312 

93.  Thunnus    South 314 

94.  Germo  Jordan 315 

95.  Sarda   Cuvier 317 

96.  Scomberomprus   Lacepede     .  321 

97.  Acanthocybium  Gill  ....  326 

Family  XLII.  Trichiuridae 
THE  CUTLASS-FISHES 

98.  Trichiurus  Linnaeus  ....  328 

Family  XLIII.  Nematistiidae 
THE  PAPAGALLOS 

99.  Nematistius  Gill 329 


VII 


LIST  OF  PLATES  IN  PART  I 


Opposite 
Page 


I.     Fig.  i.     Carcharhinus  natator  sp.  nov. 

(a)  Ventral  surface  of  head. 
Fig.  2.     Carcharhinus  cerdale  Gilbert. 

(a)    Ventral   surface   of   head 40 

II.     Fig.  i.     Scoliodon  longurio  (Jordan  &  Gilbert). 

(a)  Ventral  surface  of  head. 
Fig.  2.     Scoliodon  lalandii  (Miiller  &  Henle). 

(a)  Ventral  surface  of  head. 
Fig.  3.     Scoliodon  terrae-novae  Richardson. 

(a)    Ventral   surface   of   head 52 

III.  Narcine  brasiliensis   (Olfers) 73 

IV.  Urotrygon  mundus  Gill 82 

V.     Anus  tuyra  sp.  nov 128 

VI.     Gorgasia  punctata  gen.  et  sp.  nov. 

(a)   Lateral  view  of  head,  enlarged 133 

VII.     Bascanichthys  panamensis  sp.  nov.  (a)  Ventral 

view  of  head,  enlarged,     (b)  Lateral  view  of  head. .    151 
VIII.     Fig.  i.     Bascanichthys  cylindricus  sp.  nov. 

(a)  Ventral  view  of  head,  (b)  Lateral  view  of  head. 

Fig.  2.     Ophichthus  chamensis  sp.  nov 152 

IX.     Ilisha  argentata  sp.  nov. 

(a)  Scale  from  Sardinella  macrophthalmus 
(Ranzani).  Enlarged  10  x. 

(b)  Scale  from  Sardinella  thrissina  (Jordan  & 
Gilbert).     Enlarged  10  x 190 

X.     Fig.  i.     Ilisha  caribbasa  sp.  nov. 

Fig.  2.     Anchovia  parva  sp.  nov 191 

XL     Fig.  i.     Odontognathus  panamensis  (Steindachner). 

Fig.  2.     Odontognathus  compressus  sp.  nov 194 

XII.     Fig.  i.     Anchovia  brevirostra  sp.  nov. 

Fig.  2.     Anchovia  elongata  sp.  nor 198 

XIII.     Fig.  i.     Anchovia  arenicola  sp.  nov. 

Fig.  2.     Anchovia  ischana  (Jordan  &  Gilbert) 203 

IX 


Opposite 
Pags 

XIV.     Fig.  i.     Anchovia  brownii  (Gmelin). 

Fig.  2.     Anchovia  eigenmannia  sp.  nov 204 

XV.     Fig.  i.     Anchovia  panamensis   (Steindachner). 

Fig.  2.     Anchovia  mundeola  (Gilbert  &  Pierson)  . . .   207 
XVI.     Fig.  i.     Hyporhamphus  unifasciatus  (Ranzani). 
Fig.  2.     Hyporhamphus  roberti  (Cuvier  & 

Valenciennes) 237 

XVII.     Fig.  i.     Hyporhamphus  gilli  sp.  nov. 

Fig.  2.     Hyporhamphus  snyderi  sp.  nov 240 

XVIII.     Fig.  i.     Syngnathus  tweedliei  sp.  nov. 

Fig.  2.     Syngnathus  mindii  sp.  nov 259 

XIX.     Syngnathus  elcapitanense   (Meek  &  Hildebrand). 

(a)  Male,     (b)   Female 260 

XX.     Fig.  i.     Menidia  chagresi  Meek  &  Hildebrand. 

Fig.  2.     Menidia  starksi  sp.  nov 266 

XXI.     Kirtlandia  beani  sp.  no¥ 270 

XXII.     Fig.  i.     Mugilops  cyanellus  gen.  et  sp.  nov. 

Fig.  2.     Mugilops  marinus  sp.  nov 271 

XXIII.  Plectrypops  retrospinis   (Guichenot) 301 

XXIV.  Sarda  velox  sp.  nov 320 


X 


LIST   OF  NEW   GENERA  AND   SPECIES  IN  PART  I 


NEW  GENERA 

Page 

Gorgasia 133 

Mugilops 271 

NEW  SPECIES 

Carcharhinus  natator 40 

Arius  tuyra 128 

Gorgasia  punctata 133 

Bascanichthys  panamensis 151 

cylindricus 152 

Ophichthus  chamensis 155 

Ilisha  argentata 190 

"      caribbaea 191 

Odontognathus  compressus 194 

Anchovia  brevirostra 198 

elongata 198 

arenicola 201 

parva 202 

eigenmannia 205 

Hyporhamphus  gilli 240 

snyderi 240 

Syngnathus  tweedliei 259 

mindii 261 

Menidia  starksi 267 

Kirtlandia  beani 270 

Mugilops  cyanellus 271 

marinus 272 

Sarda  velox 320 


XI 


THE  MARINE  FISHES  OF  PANAMA. 

BY  SETH  E.  MEEK*  AND  SAMUEL  F.  HILDEBRAND. 
INTRODUCTION. 

The  present  report  is  the  final  paper  of  a  seriesf  by  the  authors, 
dealing  with  the  fishes  of  the  Isthmus  of  Panama.  It  is  based 
primarily  upon  the  salt  water  fishes  collected  along  the  shores  and  in 
the  shallower  waters  during  the  "Smithsonian  Biological  Survey  of 
the  Panama  Canal  Zone".  The  ichthyological  reconnaissance  during 
this  survey,  however,  was  made  cooperatively  by  the  Smithsonian 
Institution,  the  Field  Museum  of  Natural  History  and  the  U.  S.  Bureau 
of  Fisheries.  A  few  specimens  discussed  in  the  report  were  contributed 
by  Messrs.  H.  Pittier  and  E.  A.  Goldman  of  the  U.  S.  Department 
of  Agriculture  and  very  excellent  and  rather  extensive  collections 
were  received  from  Mr.  Robert  Tweedlie,  Canal  Commission  employee 
and  engineer  on  a  sand  dredge  operating  off  Chame  Point,  who  became 
very  much  interested  in  collecting  rare  and  unusual  fishes,  and  who 
gave  the  authors  valuable  assistance  during  a  week's  collecting  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  dredge.  We  were  also  valuably  assisted  by  Mr.  E.  D. 
Christopherson,  at  that  time  teacher  of  biology  in  the  Canal  Zone 
Public  Schools. 

The  writers  made  collections  at  several  points  along  both  coasts 
of  Panama  during  two  seasons,  viz.,  from  January  to  May  inclusive, 
1911,  and  from  January  to  March  inclusive,  1912.  The  winter  and 
early  spring  months  were  chosen  because  they  represent  the  dry  season 
in  Panama.  The  work  in  1911,  however,  was  well  extended  into  the 
rainy  season.  Collecting  in  fresh  water  was  almost  impossible  because 
of  the  high  stage  of  the  streams  and  collecting  marine  species  became 
increasingly  more  inconvenient,  as  difficulty  was  experienced  in  drying 
nets  and  in  keeping  our  equipment  from  deteriorating.  The  mosquitoes 
too  became  very  annoying  and  the  work  was  abandoned  on  May  22 
and  resumed  the  following  January. 

*Deceased  July  6,  1914. 

fThe  previous  papers  dealt  with  the  fresh  water  fishes  of  Panama  and 
were  published  by  the  Field  Museum  of  Natural  History,  Zoological  Series, 
Vol.  X.  1912,  1913  and  1916,  pp.  67  and  68,  pp.  77  to  91  and  pp.  217  to  374.  The 
first  two  papers  contain  descriptions  of  new  species  and  the  last  is  a  general 
report  which  contains  a  systematic  catalogue  of  the  fresh  water  fishes  of  the 
Isthmus  so  far  as  known  at  the  time  of  publication. 


2      FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

All  the  privileges,  and  many  more,  enjoyed  by  the  Isthmian  Canal 
Commission  employees  were  extended  to  us  while  on  the  Canal  Zone, 
which  made  our  work  much  easier,  more  pleasant,  and  much  more 
successful  than  it  otherwise  would  have  been.  We,  therefore,  are 
deeply  indebted  to  General  George  W.  Goethals  and  many  other  officers 
and  employees  of  the  Isthmian  Canal  Commission.  We  are  also 
greatly  indebted  to  the  Panama  Rail  Road  Company  for  furnishing  free 
transportation  from  New  York  and  for  a  free  pass  on  the  railroad  on 
the  Isthmus.  We  wish  to  extend  our  gratitude  to  the  various  officers 
of  the  Smithsonian  Institution,  the  National  Museum,  the  Field 
Museum  of  Natural  History  and  the  U.  S.  Bureau  of  Fisheries  who 
have  given  us  assistance  and  advice  during  the  preparation  of  the 
report.  We  are  particularly  grateful  to  Mr.  Barton  A.  Bean  of  the 
Division  of  Fishes  in  the  National  Museum,  in  whose  laboratory 
the  marine  collections  were  studied  and  where  the  present  report  was 
written.  The  junior  author  is  also  indebted  to  Mr.  William  C.  Schroe- 
der,  scientific  assistant  U.  S.  Bureau  of  Fisheries,  for  assistance  in  the 
study  of  the  sharks  and  skates  and  for  help  in  the  final  details  of 
completing  and  arranging  the  manuscript.  The  illustrations  which  are 
presented  were  in  part  prepared  by  Mrs.  E.  Bennett  Decker  and  in 
part  by  Mrs.  Louise  Nash.  The  majority  of  them,  as  will  be  seen 
upon  examination,  are  photographs  which  have  been  retouched  and 
improved  by  the  artist. 

The  senior  author,  on  account  of  ill  health,  was  obliged  to  abandon 
the  work  before  all  of  the  preliminary  identifications  were  completed. 
His  untimely  death  occurred  on  July  6,  1914,  leaving  the  completion 
of  the  work  to  the  junior  author  who  is  solely  responsible  for  final 
identifications  and  the  report.  The  withdrawal  from  the  work  of 
the  senior  author,  and  the  many  other  duties  required  of  the  junior 
author,  greatly  delayed  the  completion  of  the  report,  which,  it  is  hoped, 
will  not  make  the  work  less  useful  when  it  becomes  available. 

We  have  had  access,  during  the  preparation  of  the  present  report, 
to  the  very  large  collection  of  marine  fishes  in  the  National  Museum. 
This  has  provided  much  material  for  comparison  which  has  been  ot 
invaluable  help  in  identifying  difficult  species  and  in  establishing  the 
relationship  of  many  little  or  imperfectly  known  ones.  The  types  of 
many  of  the  species  discussed  have  been  available  for  examination, 
thus  often  making  our  identifications  much  more  certain  than  they 
would  have  been,  working  with  literature  alone. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.       3 

ICHTHYOLOGICAL  HlSTORY  OF  THE  ISTHMUS  OF  PANAMA. 

The  fishes  of  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama  already  have  been  rather 
extensively  studied  from  the  systematist's  standpoint,  collections  having 
been  made,  beginning  with  1860,  by  Captain  John  M.  Dow,  reported 
upon  by  Dr.  Theodore  Gill  and  by  Dr.  Albert  Giinther.  Somewhat 
later  came  the  reports  of  Dr.  Franz  Steindachner,  based  in  part  upon 
his  own  collections  and  in  part  upon  specimens  received  from  various 
correspondents. 

In  1 88 1  a  large  collection  was  made  at  Panama  City  by  Dr.  Charles 
H.  Gilbert  and  a  second  and  still  larger  one  in  1883.  Unfortunately 
the  latter  was  destroyed  by  fire,  together  with  all  field  notes  and 
manuscript,  before  an  account  was  published.  The  deeper  waters  of 
Panama  Bay,  as  far  out  as  the  Galapagos  Islands,  were  explored  by 
the  U.  S.  Fisheries  steamer  "Albatross"  in  1888  and  1891.  The  fishes 
obtained  from  the  "Albatross"  expeditions  were  reported  upon  by 
Jordan  and  Bollman,  Gilbert,  and  Carman. 

Panama  was  again  visited  by  Dr.  Gilbert  and  three  associates,  in 
1896,  when  283  marine  species  were  obtained,  43  of  which  were  new. 
A  full  account  of  this  collection  is  contained  in  "The  Fishes  of  Panama 
Bay"  by  Gilbert  and  Starks,  Memoirs  of  the  California  Academy  of 
Sciences,  Vol.  IV,  1904,  304  pages,  33  plates  with  62  figures,  together 
with  a  complete  bibliography  of  all  papers,  up  to  the  date  of  publica- 
tion, dealing  wholly  or  in  part  with  the  fishes  of  Panama  Bay  and 
adjacent  waters.  The  authors  admitted  to  their  list,  in  addition  to 
the  species  collected  in  1896,  all  other  species  previously  reliably  re- 
ported from  Panama  Bay,  including  also  species  collected  by  the 
"Albatross"  within  the  fifty-fathom  line. 

In  1899  appeared  a  small  paper  by  Dr.  G.  A.  Boulenger  based  upon 
a  small  collection  of  fishes  made  in  the  Darien  region,  mostly  in  fresh 
water,  by  Mr.  Enrico  Feste.  A  limited  number  of  shore  fishes  were 
collected  in  Panama  Bay  by  the  "Albatross"  during  an  expedition  in 
1904  and  1905,  extending  from  southern  California  to  Peru.  These 
fishes  were  reported  upon  by  Kendall  and  Radcliffe,  Memoirs  of  the 
Museum  of  Comparative  Zoology,  Vol.  XXXV,  1912,  pp.  77  to  171, 
8  plates.* 

The  history  of  collections  on  the  Atlantic  coast  of  Panama  is  very 
different,  as  nothing  worthy  of  mention  had  been  done  on  that  side  of 
the  Isthmus.  Extensive  collections,  however,  had  been  made  both 

*Only  a  small  part  of  this  report  deals  with  the  fishes  taken  in  Panama 
Bay,  as  all  the  shore  fishes  taken  on  the  "Albatross"  expedition  of  1004  and  1005 
are  discussed  in  the  paper. 


4      FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

north  and  south  of  Panama,  i.e.,  on  the  coasts  of  Mexico  and  Brazil, 
and  also  in  the  West  Indies  and  other  islands  in  or  bordering  the 
Caribbean  Sea.  The  species  occurring  on  the  Atlantic  coast  of  Panama 
mostly  range  a  considerable  distance  northward  or  southward  and, 
therefore,  the  great  majority  of  the  species  were  already  more  or  less 
definitely  described. 

THE  GEOGRAPHICAL  FEATURES  OF  THE  COASTS  OF  PANAMA. 

The  climate  of  Panama  of  course  is  strictly  tropical,  but,  because 
of  cooling  breezes,  it  is  rarely  oppressively  hot.  The  rainfall,  particu- 
larly on  the  Atlantic  border,  is  very  heavy,  237.28  inches  being  recorded 
for  Porto  Bello  for  the  year  1909.  The  dry  season  occurs  during  the 
winter  months,  viz.,  from  about  December  to  May,  the  length  of  the 
seasons  of  course  varying  more  or  less  from  year  to  year.  The  prevail- 
ing direction  of  the  wind  is  northerly,  i.e.,  from  the  Atlantic  toward  the 
Pacific.  During  the  dry  season,  at  least,  there  are  rather  brisk  and 
almost  constant  northerly  trade  winds  blowing  across  the  Caribbean 
Sea,  causing  very  choppy  water  along  the  Atlantic  shores  which  makes 
fishing  difficult,  except  in  protected  places  of  which  there  are  com- 
paratively few  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Canal  Zone.  The  conditions  with 
respect  to  winds  and  sea  are  apparently  more  favorable  for  the  fishing 
industry  during  the  wet  season  and  somewhat  better  fishing  prevails. 
Panama  Bay  is  rarely  choppy,  but  heavy  swells  are  not  uncommon. 
The  conditions  for  fishing,  however,  are  much  more  favorable  than 
they  are  on  the  Atlantic  coast. 

The  least  width  of  the  Isthmus  is  about  50  miles.  The  crest  of 
the  divide  on  the  Canal  Zone  is  at  Culebra,  only  about  15  miles  from 
the  Pacific  coast.  The  highest  point  in  the  divide  at  this  place  is  665 
feet  above  sea  level.  Coral  formations  occur  on  both  sides,  but  these 
reefs  and  shallow  water  are  much  more  extensive  on  the  Atlantic 
border  than  on  the  Pacific.  The  shores  on  the  Atlantic  are  usually  low 
and  comparatively  large  swampy  areas,  covered  with  salt  or  brackish 
water  and  largely  over-grown  with  mangrove,  are  present.  The  shores 
on  the  Pacific,  on  the  other  hand,  generally  are  higher,  and  off  shore 
occur  several  rather  high,  and  mostly  rocky  islands.  The  largest  and 
most  important  of  these  is  Taboga  Island,  noted  for  its  excellent  fresh 
water  springs,  fine  pineapples  and  healthful  climate  where  the 
Anopheles,  or  malaria  mosquitoes,  do  not  thrive.  The  Isthmian  Canal 
Commission  maintained  a  sanitarium  on  this  island  where  convalescent 
patients  were  sent  for  recuperation.  Good  fishing  obtains  and  im- 
portant collections  were  made  along  the  shores  of  this  island. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.       5 

The  Pacific  coast  has  excessively  high  tides-,  the  stage  of  mean  tide 
being  12.5  feet  and  spring  tide  16.2  feet.  When  the  tide  is  high 
comparatively  large  tide  streams,  which  are  practically  dry  at  low 
water,  are  formed.  The  fresh  water  creeks  and  rivers  too  are  greatly 
affected,  the  current  being  reversed  in  their  lower  courses  for  many 
miles.  Marine  fishes  of  course  follow  the  tides  inland,  and  often  salt 
water  fishes  are  taken  miles  from  the  sea  shore. 

The  effects  of  the  tides  on  the  Atlantic  border  are  negligible,  as 
there  is  a  difference  of  only  about  12  inches  in  the  water  level  between 
flood  and  ebb  tide. 

WHERE  AND  How  COLLECTIONS  WERE  MADE. 

Collections  of  marine  fishes  were  made  on  the  Pacific  coast  at  the 
following  places — Chame  Point,  Taboga  Island,  Balboa  and  Panama 
City  and  nearby  islands.  Collections  also  were  made  from  the  tide 
streams  near  Balboa  and  Corazal,  and  several  marine  species  were 
taken  incidentally  while  collecting  fresh  water  fishes  in  the  rivers.  On 
the  Atlantic  coast  collections  were  made  at  Toro  Point,  in  Mindi  Cut 
of  the  Panama  Canal,  Cristobal  and  Colon,  and  Porto  Bello. 

The  drag  net,  or  seine,  was  used  much  more  extensively  than  any 
other  means  for  catching  fish  and  much  the  largest  portion  of  the 
collection  was  made  in  that  way.  Many  rare  and  interesting  specimens 
were  purchased  in  Panama  City  and  Colon  fish  markets  which  were 
frequently  visited.  By  the  use  of  dynamite  many  species,  taken  in 
no  other  way,  were  secured.  Good  results  were  obtained  on  the 
Pacific  side  by  stretching  nets  across  tide  streams  at  high  tide,  thus 
closing  the  passage  back  to  sea,  and  leaving  the  fish  on  the  muddy  creek 
beds  when  the  water  receded.  Set-net  fishing  was  practiced  to  a  very 
limited  extent,  and,  while  fairly  successful  in  catching  fish,  it  could 
not  be  used  extensively  because  of  the  abundance  of  sharks  and  crabs 
which  damaged  the  nets,  causing  an  undue  amount  of  expense  and 
labor  for  repairs.  A  limited  amount  of  hook  and  line  fishing  was 
engaged  in  and  only  comparatively  small  number  of  fishes  were  taken 
in  that  way,  but  they  very  often  were  representatives  of  species  captured 
by  no  other  method.  A  small  number  of  species  was  taken  with  traps 
and  a  few  by  spearing.  Tide  pool  collecting  by  the  use  of  poisons 
was  found  very  productive,  particularly  on  the  coral  reef  at  Panama 
City  where  many  pools  remain  at  low  tide.  The  poisons  used  were 
chloride  of  lime,  which  was  successful,  if  dissolved  before  being  placed 
in  a  pool,  and  a  "larvacide",  extensively  employed  on  the  Canal  Zone 
for  the  destruction  of  mosquito  larvse.  The  exact  ingredients  of  this 


6      FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

larvacide  is  not  known  to  us,  but  it  consisted  principally  of  a  rather 
strong  alkali  with  the  addition  of  a  small  amount  of  phenol. 

It  is  plainly  evident  from  the  results  obtained  that  it  is  advisable 
to  use  many  different  methods  of  collecting,  if  a  representative  series 
of  the  fishes  occurring  in  any  vicinity  is  desired.  This  is  particularly 
true  of  localities  like  the  ones  occurring  on  the  opposite  sides  of  the 
Isthmus  of  Panama  where  many  different  kinds  of  bottom  and  condi- 
tions are  present.  Some  species  were  taken  by  a  number  of  different 
methods,  as  for  example  certain  Gerres  and  Scarus  which  are  extremely 
abundant  on  the  Atlantic  side  and  occur  almost  everywhere.  Others, 
however,  were  taken  by  only  a  single  method,  as  for  example  most 
of  the  flounders  and  soles,  the  half-beaks  and  the  hound  fish  or  gars 
which  were  taken  with  the  seine  only.  Several  species  of  Holocentrida, 
Pomancentrida  and  Labrida  were  taken  only  on  coral  reefs  with 
dynamite,  where  of  course  a  seine  could  not  be  operated.  Many  of  the 
sharks,  catfishes  and  eels  were  taken  with  hook  and  line.  Mullets 
(Mugil)  and  snooks  or  robalos  (Centropomus)  were  taken  principally 
in  muddy,  shallow,  and  usually  more  or  less  brackish  water  with  the 
set-net.  Tide  pool  fishing  yielded  many  forms  taken  also  by  means  of 
dynamite  and  the  seine,  but  a  number  of  species  of  gobies,  blennies  and 
a  few  toad  fishes  and  eels  were  secured  which  were  not  taken  elsewhere 
and  by  no  other  method. 

Mr.  Robert  Tweedlie,  who  contributed  extensive  collections, 
pursued,  for  the  most  part,  still  different  methods  of  collecting  from 
those  employed  by  the  writers,  as  most  of  his  specimens  were  either 
dipped  up  by  the  sand  dredge  which  he  operated,  or  taken  with  the 
dip-net,  often  at  night  under  the  electric  lights,  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
dredge.  The  result  was  that  Mr.  Tweedlie  obtained  29  species  not 
taken  by  us,  of  which  n  are  new.  His  success  in  acquiring  such 
a  large  number  of  species  not  obtained  by  the  authors  is  believed 
to  be  attributable  to  the  following  factors:  first,  to  the  methods  of 
collecting  which  were  available  and  employed;  second,  to  the  position 
of  the  dredge  which  was  located  at  the  end  of  Chame  Point,  a  long 
and  very  narrow  neck  of  land  projecting  a  distance  of  about  thirty 
miles  into  the  sea;  and  third,  to  the  fact  that  Mr.  Tweedlie  collected 
more  or  less  intermittently  for  a  period  of  over  a  year,  therefore 
obtaining  migratory  species  which  come  and  go  with  the  season.  The 
writers,  as  already  stated,  made  nearly  all  of  their  collections  during 
the  winter  months  or  the  dry  season. 


DEC.  20,  1923.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.       7 

GENERAL  REMARKS  ON  DISTRIBUTION. 

The  fishes  of  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama  generally  reach  a  larger 
size  than  those  from  the  Atlantic  and  the  present  indications  are  that 
a  larger  number  of  species  also  is  present.  Record  is  made  in  the 
present  report  of  403  species  actually  taken  in  Panama  Bay  either  by 
us  or  by  other  collectors  or  both,  while  only  238  species  are  now 
definitely  reported  from  the  Atlantic  coast  of  the  Isthmus.  Much 
more  work,  however,  has  been  done  on  the  Pacific  coast  than  on  the 
Atlantic,  which  undoubtedly  accounts  for  a  part  of  the  large  difference 
in  the  number  of  species  now  listed  from  the  opposite  coasts.  The 
writers,  while  collecting,  divided  their  time  about  equally  between  the 
Pacific  and  the  Atlantic  coast  and  the  same  methods  of  collecting,  as 
far  as  it  was  possible  to  do  so,  were  employed.  The  result  was  that 
290  species  were  taken  by  us  on  the  Pacific  coast  and  236  on  the 
Atlantic.  If  the  number  of  species  collected  by  the  authors  on  the 
opposite  coasts  during  the  same  season  of  the  year,  by  almost  identical 
methods  and  during  approximately  an  equal  number  of  days,  only  is 
considered,  it  then  appears  as  if  the  difference  in  the  number  of 
species  inhabiting  the  opposite  coasts  were  not  as  great  as  indicated 
by  a  comparison  of  the  total  number  of  species  recorded. 

A  large  number  of  species  is  recorded  from  the  Atlantic  both 
north  and  south  of  the  Isthmus  which  to  date  have  not  been  taken  on 
the  Panaman  coast,  although  they  quite  probably  all  at  times  frequent 
it.  A  comparatively  small  number  of  species,  on  the  other  hand,  is 
recorded  north  and  south  of  the  Isthmus  on  the  Pacific  side  which 
have  not  already  been  taken  in  Panama  Bay.  No  collections,  worthy 
of  note,  had  been  made  previously  on  the  Atlantic  coast  and  of  course 
our  collection  is  far  from  exhaustive ;  neither  was  it  supplemented  by  a 
subsequent  one  like  the  collection  from  the  Pacific,  to  which  Mr.  Robert 
Tweedlie  added  many  new  and  rare  forms.  It  certainly  is  not  unreason- 
able to  expect  all  of  those  species  on  the  Panaman  coasts  which  already 
have  been  reported  from  localities  both  north  and  south  of  the  Isthmus. 
The  number  of  species  recorded  from  the  Atlantic  coast  of  Panama, 
in  that  event,  would  be  considerably  more  augmented  than  the  number 
now  known  from  the  Pacific.  The  writers,  in  view  of  the  facts  just 
stated,  are  of  the  opinion  that  future  collecting  will  serve  greatly  to 
augment  the  list  of  species  now  reported  from  the  Atlantic  coast,  but 
to  a  much  lesser  degree  the  number  already  reported  from  Panama 
Bay.  It,  however,  is  not  believed  that  the  Atlantic  coast  of  Panama 
possesses  the  wealth  of  fauna  which  is  present  on  the  Pacific  coast. 


8      FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

The  following  table  shows  that  the  number  of  species  (157) 
reported  from  the  Pacific  coast,  ranging  both  north  and  south  of  the 
Isthmus  of  Panama,  is  much  smaller  than  the  number  (288)*  ranging 
north  and  south  of  Panama  on  the  Atlantic  coast.  A  much  larger 
number  (134  species),  on  the  other  hand,  is  known  from  Panama  Bay 
and  northward  than  the  number  of  species  (49)*  which  is  known  from 
the  Atlantic  coast  of  Panama  and  northward.  A  comparatively  small 
number  of  species  is  recorded  from  the  Isthmus  which  range  south- 
ward, only  27  species,  occurring  in  Panama  Bay  and  southward,  having 
come  to  our  notice.  Eight  of  these  occur  in  Panama  Bay  and  the 
Galapagos  Islands  only,  leaving  19  species  which  are  reported  from 
the  mainland  south  of  Panama  and  not  north  of  the  Isthmus.  We 
have  included  15  species  which  occur  on  the  Atlantic  coast  of  Panama 
and  range  southward.  The  present  report  also  lists  132  species  (in- 
cluding new  ones)  which  appear  to  have  been  recorded  from  Panama 
Bay  only.  This  number  includes  approximately  30  species  dredged 
off  shore  by  the  "Albatross",  within  a  depth  of  50  fathoms,  but  which 
have  not  been  taken  in  the  shallow  shore  waters.  The  report,  on  the 
other  hand,  lists  only  28  species,  26  of  which  appear  to  be  new,  that 
are  known  only  from  the  Atlantic  coast  of  Panama. 

The  data  given  in  the  foregoing  paragraph,  and  in  the  table  which 
follows,  indicate  that  the  fishes  of  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama  belong 
to  the  North  American  fauna  rather  than  to  the  South  American. 
Due  allowance,  however,  must  be  made  for  the  fact  that  only  compara- 
tively meager  collections  have  been  made  on  the  South  American  coast. 
The  fishes  of  Ecuador  are  known  to  us  principally  from  the  brief 
accounts  based  upon  small  collections  from  Guayaquil  by  Boulenger 
(Boll.  Mus.  Zool.  Anat.  Comp.  Torino,  Vol.  XIII,  1898,  pp.  1-3  and 
Vol.  XIV,  1899,  pp.  1-8)  and  by  Starks  (Proc.  U.  S.  Nat  Mus.,  1906, 
pp.  761-800).  The  fishes  of  the  Peruvian  coast,  so  far  as  known, 
recently  have  been  listed  by  Evermann  and  Radcliffe  (Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  XCV,  1917)  in  a  paper  based  in  part  upon  previous  records  but 
mainly  upon  a  collection  of  fishes  made  by  Dr.  R.  E.  Coker,  formerly  of 
the  U.  S.  Bureau  of  Fisheries.  While  a  number  of  species  previously 
not  known  from  Peru  was  added,  the  list  nevertheless  must  be  far  from 
exhaustive,  as  only  187  species,  including  several  fresh  water  forms,  are 
recorded.  Nearly  all  the  species  recorded  from  Ecuador  also  occur 
in  Panama  Bay,  but  the  Peruvian  species  are  mostly  different.  The 
comparatively  few  species  which  occur  both  in  Panama  and  Peru  are 

*The  species  which  are  known  from  the  West  Indies,  approximately  26,  but 
not  definitely  recorded  from  the  mainland  north  of  Panama  are  included. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.       9 

fishes  of  wide  distribution.  Northward  the  Panaman  fish  fauna  clearly 
extends  to  the  Gulf  of  California,  as  shown  by  the  various  papers  of 
Jordan,  Gilbert,  Evermann,  Jenkins,  and  others,  a  fact  which  already 
has  been  pointed  out  by  Gilbert  and  Starks  (Memoirs  Cal.  Ac.  Sci., 
Vol.  IV,  1904,  p.  205). 

The  table  shows  also  that  a  large  majority  of  the  species  listed  from 
the  Atlantic  coast  of  Panama  also  occurs  both  north  and  south  of  the 
Isthmus.  The  species  recorded  from  Brazil  in  the  various  lists,  based 
principally  upon  collections  made  at  Natal,  Bahia,  and  in  the  vicinity 
of  Rio  de  Janeiro,  are  principally  Panaman  and  West  Indian  species. 
Berg's  "Peces  de  las  Coastas  Argentina  Y  Uruguay  (Ann.  Mus.  Nac. 
Buenas  Aires,  Vol.  IV,  1895,  pp.  1-20),  however,  contains  few  species 
known  from  the  Panaman  coast,  and  those  that  are  common  to  the 
coasts  of  Uruguay  and  Panama  are  nearly  all  species  of  wide  distri- 
bution. Northward  the  Atlantic  fauna  of  Panama  plainly  ranges  to 
the  West  Indies,  and  to  southern  Florida.  Smith's  "Fishes  of  North 
Carolina"  (N.  C.  Geological  and  Economic  Surv.,  Vol.  II,  1907)  con- 
tains comparatively  few  forms  listed  from  Panama.  Those  species 
that  are  common  to  North  Carolina  and  Panama  again  are  mostly  of 
wide  distribution  and  a  few  others  are  stragglers  which  appear  to  have 
drifted  northward  in  the  Gulf  Stream. 

The  ichthyological  fauna  of  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama,  therefore, 
appears  to  range  from  the  Gulf  of  California  to  Ecuador  and  that  of 
the  Atlantic  from  Florida  to  Brazil. 

The  close  parallelism  between  the  fish  faunas  of  the  opposite 
sides  of  the  Isthmus  of  Panama  and  the  bearing  of  this  upon  the 
question  of  a  water-way,  which  formerly  existed  between  the  two 
oceans,  has  been  a  subject  of  discussion  by  many  writers.  Gilbert  and 
Starks*  say:  "From  the  biological  side,  the  subject  is  treated  in  a 
most  satisfactory  way  by  Flaxon  (i895)f,  with  whose  views  we  find 
ourselves  wholly  in  accord.  The  ichthyological  evidence  is  overwhelm- 
ingly in  favor  of  the  existence  of  a  former  open  communication 
between  the  two  oceans,  which  must  have  become  closed  at  a  period 
sufficiently  remote  from  the  present  to  have  permitted  the  specific 
differentation  of  a  very  large  majority  of  the  forms  involved.  That 
this  differentation  progressed  at  widely  varying  rates  in  different 
instances  became  at  once  apparent.  A  small  minority  of  the  species 
remain  wholly  unchanged,  so  far  as  we  have  been  able  to  determine 
that  point.  A  larger  number  have  become  distinguished  from  their 

*Memoirs  Cal.  Acad.  Sci.,  Vol.  IV,  1904,  p.  205. 
tMemoirs  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  Vol.  XVIII,  1895,  pp.  1-292. 


io    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

representatives  of  the  opposite  coast  by  minute  (but  not  "trivial") 
differences,  which  are  wholly  constant.  From  such  'representative 
forms'  we  pass  by  imperceptible  gradation  to  species  much  more  widely 
separated,  whose  immediate  relation  in  the  past  we  cannot  confidently 
affirm." 

We  fully  agree  with  these  views,  as  expressed  by  Gilbert  and 
Starks,  and  we  have  but  little  to  add.  However,  it  has  become  evident 
from  our  studies  that  fewer  species  than  previously  were  so  considered 
are  common  to  both  coasts  of  Central  America.  We  have  listed  72 
species  which  appear  to  occur  on  both  coasts,  but  48  of  these  are  more 
or  less  cosmopolitan  in  their  distribution,  i.e.,  they  not  only  occur  on 
both  coasts  of  Central  Amerca  but  in  the  eastern  hemisphere  also. 
Many  of  them  are  not  confined  to  shore  waters  or  even  to  the  trop- 
ical seas.  Such  species,  therefore,  may  migrate  from  ocean  to 
ocean  and  they  cast  no  light  upon  the  question  of  an  interoceanic 
waterway  across  what  is  now  the  Isthmus  of  Panama.  This,  then, 
leaves  24  species  which,  according  to  our  identifications,  are  common 
to  both  coasts  of  Central  America  and  can  not  be  distinguished.  A 
direct  comparison  of  specimens  from  the  opposite  coasts  in  many 
instances  was  made  for  the  first  time  and  it  was  found  that  a 
comparatively  large  number  of  forms,  previously  considered  identical, 
could  be  separated  by  minute  but  constant  differences.  On  the  other 
hand,  a  few  forms  which  had  been  considered  separate  and  distinct 
could  not  be  so  maintained. 

Numerous  species  have  close  parallels  on  the  opposite  coast.  The 
present  collection  contains  many  such  forms  which  were  not  known 
or  previously  improperly  defined.  In  many  families  nearly  every 
species  has  a  close  relative,  or  parallel,  on  the  opposite  side,  and 
future  collecting  and  further  study  no  doubt  will  reveal  many  more. 
Of  the  89  families  discussed  in  the  present  report,  81  have  repre- 
sentatives on  both  coasts.  Four  small  families  from  the  Pacific  and 
four  from  the  Atlantic  to  date  have  no  representative  from  ithe 
opposite  coasts  of  Panama.  Certain  families  have  many  more  rep- 
resentatives on  the  one  coast  than  on  the  other,  the  Siluridce  and 
the  Sci&nda,  for  example,  are  much  more  numerous  on  the  Pacific 
than  on  the  Atlantic,  and  the  species,  therefore,  cannot  in  most  cases 
have  a  parallel  on  the  Atlantic  coast.  The  families,  Sparida,  Scaridg 
and  Monacanthida,  have  many  more  species  on  the  Atlantic  than  on 
the  Pacific.  The  reason  for  such  divergence  from  the  more  general 
rule  of  parallel  species  is  difficult  to  explain,  and  several  possibilities 
are  open  for  debate.  We  advance  a  single  possible  explanation  which 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.      n 

to  us,  at  least,  appears  to  be  the  most  plausible,  viz.,  that  before  the 
last  passage  between  the  Atlantic  and  Pacific  oceans  was  closed  to 
marine  fishes,  the  representatives  of  certain  families  already  had 
found  that  one  side  of  the  "divide"  was  better  suited  to  their  peculiar 
needs  than  the  other.  The  result,  with  respect  to  such  families,  was 
that  when  at  last  the  passageway  was  completely  closed  that  most  of 
the  species  of  some  of  them  were  on  one  side  of  the  Isthmus,  while 
those  of  another  were  on  the  opposite  coast. 

TABLE  OF  DISTRIBUTION. 
PACIFIC  SPECIES 

Total  number  of  species  listed  from  the  Pacific 450 

Total  number  of  species  actually  recorded  from  Panama  Bay. .  403 
Total  number  of  species  reported  both  north  and  south  of 

Panama  Bay    157 

Total  number  of  species  from  Panama  Bay  and  northward  only  134 

Total  number  of  species  from  Panama  Bay  and  southward  only  27 

Total  number  of  species  from  Panama  Bay  only 132 

ATLANTIC  SPECIES 

Total  number  of  species  listed  from  the  Atlantic 380 

Total  number  of  species  actually   recorded    from   the   coast 

of  Panama 237 

Total  number  of  species  reported    from   the   Atlantic  both 

north  and  south  of  Panama 288 

Total  number  of  species  from  Panama  and  northward  only. . .  49 

Total  number  of  species  from  Panama  and  southward  only...  15 

Total  number  of  species  from  Panama  only 28 

IDENTICAL  SPECIES 

Total  number  of  species  listed  which  are  common  to  both  coasts  72 
Total  number  of  identical  species  actually  collected  on  the 

coasts  of  Panama 22 

Total  number  of  species  more  or  less  cosmopolitan  in  their 

distribution   4§ 

DOES  THE  PANAMA  CANAL  PROVIDE  A  PASSAGEWAY  ACROSS  THE 
ISTHMUS  FOR  MARINE  FISHES? 

The  fresh  water  species  of  the  opposite  slopes  of  Panama,  since 
the  opening  of  the  Panama  Canal,  can  freely  intermingle,  but  the 
situation,  with  respect  to  the  marine  fishes,  is  different,  for  the  Panama 
Canal  is  not  a  sea-level  canal.  At  Gatun,  about  8  miles  from  the 


12    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Atlantic  coast,  the  canal  is  provided  with  locks,  consisting  of  three 
flights  of  15  feet  each.  Beyond  the  locks  lies  Lake  Gatun,  a  large, 
artificial  body  of  fresh  water,  made  by  the  construction  of  a  very 
large  dam  across  the  Rio  Chagres  and  part  of  its  valley.  This  lake 
is  approximately  45  feet  above  sea  level  and  it  extends  partly  as  a 
broadly  expanded  body  of  water  and  partly  confined  to  the  channel  of 
the  canal  from  Gatun  to  Pedro  Miguel,  a  distance  of  about  30  miles. 
Locks  with  a  single  flight  of  15  feet  occur  at  Pedro  Miguel,  and 
below  these  locks  lies  another  fresh  water  lake  which  contains  about 
3  or  4  miles  of  the  channel  of  the  canal.  Then  at  Miraflores  are  locks 
containing  two  flights  of  15  feet  each,  which  bring  a  ship  passing 
through  the  canal  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific  back  to  sea  level. 

It  is,  therefore,  evident  that  the  Panama  Canal  provides  no 
passageway  from  ocean  to  ocean  for  strictly  marine  fishes.  However, 
it  does  not  appear  impossible  for  some  of  the  marine  forms  which 
frequent  brackish,  or  even  fresh  water,  such  as  some  of  the 
Centropomida,  Gerridce  and  Gobiida,  to  endure  the  fresh  water  and 
to  find  their  way  from  ocean  to  ocean. 

THE  COMMERCIAL  FISHERIES  OF  PANAMA. 

Nearly  all  fishing  on  the  coasts  of  Panama  is  done  at  night  for  two 
reasons;  first,  because  it  is  quite  generally  believed  that  fish  can  see 
the  nets  during  the  day  and  that,  therefore,  larger  catches  can  be 
made  at  night;  and  second,  because  the  fish  must  be  placed  on  the 
markets,  which  usually  are  open  only  in  the  forenoon,  early  and  dis- 
posed of  the  same  day  in  order  to  prevent  decomposition,  as  recourse  to 
icing  is  rarely  taken. 

Both  drag  nets  and  set  nets  are  used,  and  it  is  feared  that  altogether 
too  frequently  for  the  welfare  of  the  fishery  dynamite  is  employed; 
at  least  it  was  during  the  periods  of  our  visits  to  Panama.  Bamboo 
traps,  such  as  are  also  used  in  the  West  Indies,  are  in  general  use, 
particularly  on  the  Atlantic  coast.  The  cast  net  is  very  common  and 
at  times  quite  successful.  Hook  and  line  fishing  also  is  engaged  in 
to  a  limited  extent. 

Very  few  power  boats  are  used,  the  sail  or  oar  and  paddle  being 
depended  upon.  Most  of  the  boats  are  of  the  "dugout"  type,  which 
are  rather  heavy  and  which  capsize  easily  and  must  be  quite  carefully 
manipulated. 

The  fishes  of  the  Pacific  coast  are  much  more  important  than  those 
of  the  Atlantic,  as  they  are  much  more  abundant  and  generally  reach 
a  larger  size.  The  supply  at  Colon  is  often  insufficient  to  meet  the 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     13 

local  demand  and  frequently  fish  are  shipped  to  Colon  from  the 
Pacific  side.  The  Pacific  fish  are  at  once  recognizable  in  the  Colon 
market,  not  because  the  species  are  very  different,  for  as  a  rule  they 
are  not,  but  because  of  their  larger  average  size. 

It  must  be  said  to  the  credit  of  the  natives  of  Panama  that  they 
are  much  less  wasteful  of  their  fishes  than  we  are  in  America.  One 
does  not  find  the  shores,  where  nets  are  hauled,  lined  with  dead  and 
decaying  fish  as  is  the  case  on  the  shores  of  some  of  our  principal 
hauling  grounds.  No  such  waste  came  to  our  notice,  for  practically 
every  species  of  fish  taken  is  saved  and  is  salable.  Sharks,  skates, 
saltwater  catfishes,  half-beaks,  houndfish,  or  gars,  parrot  fish,  saltwater 
eels  and  many  others,  which  are  seldom  seen  in  American  markets,  are 
sold  daily  both  in  the  Colon  and  Panama  City  markets.  Not  only 
small  sharks  are  sold  for  food,  but  large  ones  also,  and  it  is  not  unusual 
to  see  fishermen  carry  to  market  on  their  backs  the  carcass  of  a  large 
shark,  from  which  the  skin  and  the  internal  organs  have  been  removed 
and  which  has  been  cut  into  halves  or  quarters  after  the  manner  in 
which  beef  animals  are  butchered.  The  meat  of  the  large  sharks  is 
usually  sold  in  slices  like  steaks.  The  catfishes  appear  to  find  ready  sale 
and  at  a  price  which  compares  favorably  with  the  cost  of  the  better 
grade  of  fishes.  The  groupers,  which  do  not  sell  well  on  many  Amer- 
ican markets,  bring  the  highest  prices  on  the  Panama  markets.  The 
Spanish  mackerels  on  the  other  hand  are  among  the  cheapest  fish. 

THE  SCOPE  OF  THE  CATALOGUE. 

The  catalogue  offered  in  the  following  pages  not  only  includes 
the  species  taken  by  us  on  the  coasts  of  Panama,  but  also  the  species 
recorded  from  there  but  not  seen  by  us.  Species  occurring  both 
north  and  south  of  the  Isthmus  and  a  few  recorded  from  near  Panama, 
either  north  or  south,  and  which  may  be  expected  on  the  Panaman 
coasts  have  also  been  included.  Similarly,  we  have  admitted  a  number 
of  species  more  or  less  cosmopolitan  in  their  distribution,  although 
not  yet  taken  on  the  Isthmus.  We  follow  Gilbert  and  Starks  "Fishes  of 
Panama  Bay"  (Memoirs  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904)  in  admitting  to  our 
list  the  species  dredged  in  Panama  Bay  by  the  "Albatross"  within 
the  5o-fathom  line.  Several  of  the  species  taken  off  shore  by  the 
"Albatross,"  however,  do  not  appear  to  frequent  the  shallow  shore 
waters  and  perhaps  do  not  properly  belong  to  the  shore  fishes. 

Comparatively  few  species  (5)  of  the  family  Gerridce  known  from 
American  waters  have  not  been  taken  on  the  coasts  of  Panama.  It 
was  found  necessary  to  study  all  the  American  species  of  this  family 


14    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

in  order  to  understand  their  true  relationships  and  in  this  instance 
all  the  species  studied  have  been  included. 

Two  species  of  eels,  Synbranchus  marmoratus  Bloch  and  Anguilla 
rostrata  (Le  Sueur),  both  belonging  more  properly  to  the  fresh  water 
fauna,  but  which  were  overlooked  when  the  report  on  the  fresh  water 
fishes  of  Panama  was  prepared,  have  been  included  in  the  present  work. 

Descriptions  are  offered  (with  a  few  exceptions)  of  the  species 
listed  which,  as  far  as  possible,  are  based  on  specimens.  It  seemed 
advisable  to  draw  up  new  descriptions,  as  many  of  those  in  our  current 
works  are  very  imperfect  and  unreliable.  Many  of  them  of  course 
were  based  upon  a  single  or  very  few  specimens,  which  sometimes 
were  in  a  bad  state  of  preservation  and  all  of  one  size  and  no  allowance 
for  variation  with  age,  therefore,  was  made.  Many  closely  related 
or  identical  species  of  the  opposite  coasts  of  Panama  have  now  been 
compared  for  the  first  time  and  special  effort  has  been  made  to  show 
the  relationship  of  those  species.  The  proportions  given  in  the  various 
descriptions  are  based  upon  measurements  accurately  made  with 
calipers  and  slide  rule.  Not  fewer  than  six  specimens,  if  that  many 
were  available,  and  more  usually  a  larger  number,  especially  if  the 
relationships  were  close  or  doubtful,  was  measured.  As  wide  a  range 
as  possible  in  size  of  the  specimens  selected  for  measuring  was  usually 
chosen  in  order  to  get  the  variations  in  proportions  occurring  with 
age.  The  counts  of  fin  rays,  scales,  gill-rakers,  etc.,  were  based  upon 
similar  series. 

EXPLANATORY  NOTES. 

It  has  been  the  general  plan  to  give  for  each  species,  in  a  brief 
synonymy,  the  name  exactly  as  offered  by  the  discoverer,  also  the 
type  locality,  and  all  other  names  that  have  become  synonyms,  together 
with  references  to  literature  of  local  interest  and  usually  one  or  more 
references  to  a  more  or  less  general  work  on  the  classification  of  fishes. 
Thereafter  follows  a  description — which  has  been  drawn  up  with  the 
view  of  giving  the  characters  of  the  species  briefly,  yet  complete 
enough  to  show  its  relationship  to  other  species.  An  attempt  is  made 
throughout  the  work  to  mention  characters  in  the  same  sequence  in 
each  description. 

Certain  abbreviations  adopted  by  other  writers  have  been  followed. 
For  example,  the  expression  "Head  2  to  3.5 ;  depth  3  to  3.8"  signifies 
that  the  length  of  the  head  measured  from  tip  of  the  upper  jaw 
to  the  bony  margin  of  the  opercle  (unless  otherwise  specified)  is 
contained  2  to  3.5  times  in  the  "standard  length,"  i.e.,  in  the  distance 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA — MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.      i5 

from  the  end  of  the  snout  to  the  base  of  the  caudal  fin,  and  the 
greatest  depth  of  the  body  is  contained  3  to  3.8  times  in  the  standard 
length.  Roman  numerals  have  been  adopted  for  the  spines  and  Arabic 
numerals  for  the  soft  rays  in  giving  fin  formulae.  For  example,  D. 
IV-I,  16;  A.  II-8  signifies  that  in  this  instance  the  dorsal  fins  are 
separate,  the  first  consisting  of  four  spines  and  the  second  of  one 
spine  and  sixteen  soft  rays  and  the  anal  fin  is  preceded  by  two  separate 
spines  and  the  remainder  of  the  fin  consists  of  eight  soft  rays.  When 
the  spines  and  soft  rays  are  all  connected  and  form  single  fins  the 
formulae  are  written  thus,  D.  V,  16;  A.  II,  8.  The  number  of  scales 
given,  unless  otherwise  stated,  is  the  number  of  oblique  rows  occurring 
just  above  the  lateral  line,  from  the  upper  angle  of  the  gill  opening  to 
the  last  series  of  large  scales  on  the  base  of  the  caudal. 

After  each  description  mention  is  made  of  the  size  of  the  specimens 
at  hand,  if  any,  upon  which  the  description  was  based,  in  order  that  the 
reader  may  know  whether  the  characters  as  described  are  applicable 
to  old  or  young  individuals  or  both.  In  the  final  paragraph,  after  the 
description,  we  have  endeavored  to  give  the  distribution  and  the 
Panama  field  stations  at  which  specimens  were  taken. 

In  the  arrangement  of  the  families*  we  follow  Jordan  and 
Evermann's  "The  fishes  of  North  and  Middle  America"  (Bull.  U.  S. 
Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896-1900).  In  order  to  render  the  catalogue 
useful  for  ready  identification,  keys  to  the  families,  genera  and  species 
have  been  introduced.  The  keys  are  simply  intended  to  facilitate 
identification  and  no  attempt  is  made  to  indicate  the  natural  characters 
or  relationships  of  the  various  groups  and  only  the  families,  genera 
and  species  coming  within  the  scope  of  the  present  work  have  been 
taken  into  consideration.  In  using  the  keys,  first  determine  to  which 
of  the  major  groups  the  species  in  hand  belongs,  then  take  up  the 
regular  order  of  letters  under  that  group.  If  the  characters  of  the 
specimen  do  not  agree  with  those  under  the  single  letter,  look  under 
the  double  letter,  ignoring  all  intervening  matter. 

KEY  TO  THE  FAMILIES. 

No  attempt  has  been  made  to  group  the  large  divisions,  viz.,  the 
classes  and  orders,  but  each  is  given  with  a  short  definition  and  in  the 
sequence  in  which  the  species  occurring  under  these  divisions  are 
reviewed  in  the  text.  The  key,  therefore,  really  consists  of  a  series 
of  keys  for  the  families  occurring  under  the  various  orders  represented. 

*Jordan's  "A  Classification  of  Fishes"  (Leland  Stanford  Jr.  Univ.  Pub., 
Univ.  Ser.,  Ill,  1923)  became  available  too  late  to  admit  of  its  use  in  the 
present  work. 


16    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

I.  LEPTOCARDII  (the  lancelets)  :  Animals  with  a  cartilaginous 
skeleton  and  without  brain  or  skull ;  body  elongate,  compressed ; 
mouth  a  mere  slit;  heart  a  tubular  vessel,  without  separate 
chambers;  blood  colorless.  Branchiostomida ,  p.  27. 

II.  ELASMOBRANCHII    (sharks,  skates  and  rays) :     Animals 
with  cartilaginous  skeleton,  with  an  imperfectly  developed  skull, 
and  with  a  brain;  gilMopenings  numerous  (5  to  7)  and  slit-like, 
the  gills  attached  to  the  skin ;  skin  naked  or  covered  with  small 
rough  scales,  spines  or  tubercles;  air  bladder  absent;  the  jaws 
separable  from  the  skull. 

1.  ASTEROSPONDYLI  (the  typical  sharks)  :  Body  typically  fish-like ; 
pectoral  fins  not  attached  to  the  head. 

a.  Nictitating  membrane  present;  spiracles  absent  or  present. 

b.  Teeth  more  or  less  compressed,  triangular,  one  or  two  series 
functioning. 

c.  Head  normally  shaped,  not  expanded  across  orbital  region,  not 
hammer-shaped.  Carcharhinidoe ,  p.  35. 

cc.     Head  greatly  expanded   across   orbital  region,  more  or  less 
hammer-shaped.  Cestrationtidoz,  p.  57. 

bb.     Teeth  depressed,  paved,  several  series  functioning. 

Galeorhinidce ,  p.  31. 
aa.     Nictitating  membrane  absent;  spiracles  present. 

d.  First  dorsal  inserted  over  ventrals;  nostrils  with  a  nasoral 
groove  and  with  a  prominent  cirrus  or  barbel.  Orectolobidce,  p.  29. 

dd.     First  dorsal  inserted  in  advance  of  ventrals;  nostrils  without 
nasoral  groove  or  cirrus. 

e.  Caudal  fin  very  long,  longer  than  body ;  sides  of  caudal  peduncle 
not  keeled ;  last  gill-slit  above  base  of  pectoral. 

Vulpeculidce,  p.  62. 

ee.     Caudal  fin  not  excessively  long,  more  or  less  lunate,  with  a  keel 
on  each  side;  last  gill-slit  entirely  in  front  of  base  of  pectoral. 

Isurida,  p.  63. 

2.  CYCLOSPONDYLI  (the  dog-fishes) :  Anal  fin  absent ;  two  dorsals, 
each  with  a  spine. 

a.       Spiracles  present ;  mouth  with  labial  folds ;  no  nictitating  mem- 
brane. Squalidce,  p.  64. 

3.  BATOIDEI  (the  skates  and  rays)  :     Head  and  body  much  de- 
pressed; pectoral  fins  greatly  expanded  and  confluent  with  the 
head,  forming  with  the  head  and  body  a  more  or  less  definite 
disk;  gill-openings  all  inferior. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     17 

a.  Tail  comparatively  thick,  bearing  2  dorsals  and  a  caudal  fin; 
no  serrated  caudal  spine. 

b.  Nasoral  groove  absent;  disk  narrow  and  elongate;  tail  strong. 

c.  Snout  saw-like,  much  produced,  flat,  armed  with  strong  lateral 
teeth  set  at  right  angles  to  its  axis ;  disk  small.    Pristidce,  p.  65. 

cc.  Snout  more  or  less  produced,  not  saw-like,  toothless;  disk  of 
moderate  size ;  pectorals  continued  to  sides  of  head,  not  reach- 
ing end  of  snout.  Rhinobatidce,  p.  67. 

bb.  Nasoral  groove  present;  disk  broad,  rounded  or  angular;  tail 
moderate  or  short. 

d.  Disk  subcircular;  skin  smooth;  an  electric  organ  on  each  side 
of  median  line  of  head.  Narcaciontida,  p.  72. 

dd.     Disk  rhomboidal ;  skin  usually  rough,  with  spines  or  tubercles ; 

no  electric  organs.  Rajidce,  p.  70. 

aa.     Tail  slender,  with  one  or  no  dorsal  fin  and  usually  with  one  or 

more  serrated  spines. 

e.  Pectoral  fins  uninterrupted,  confluent  around  the  snout;  teeth 
small ;  disk  subcircular  to  rhomboidal.  Dasybatidce,  p.  75. 

ee.  Head  bearing  one  or  a  pair  of  rostral  processes  or  cephalic 
fins,  representing  a  partly  or  entirely  separated  section  of  the 
pectoral  fins ;  disk  very  broad  and  angular. 

f.  Head  bearing  one  or  a  pair  of  rostral  processes;  teeth  large, 
flat,  hexangular,  the  middle  ones  usually  broader  than  the  outer 
ones.  Myliobatida,  p.  88. 

f  f .  Head  bearing  2  long,  horn-like  appendages ;  teeth  small,  numer- 
ous, arranged  in  pavement.  Mobulida,  p.  92. 

III.  TELEOSTOMI  (the  bony  fishes)  :  Animals  with  bony  skele- 
ton, with  a  well  developed  skull  with  sutures  and  membranous 
bones ;  gill-opening  a  single  slit  on  each  side,  the  gills  attached 
to  bony  arches;  skin  usually  with  numerous  flat  scales;  air 
bladder  present  or  absent ;  the  jaws  not  distinct  from  the  skull. 

i.  NEMATOGNATHI  (the  catfishes)  :  Parietals  and  supraoccipital 
confluent;  4  anterior  vertebrae  co-ossified;  no  true  scales,  body 
naked  or  with  bony  plates;  anterior  part  of  head  with  2  or 
more  whiskers  or  barbels. 

a.  Body  wholly  naked  (in  Panama  species)  ;  adipose  fin  present; 
mouth  terminal,  with  4  to  8  barbies;  dorsal  and  pectoral  fins 
each  with  a  strong  spine.  Silnrida,p.  95. 


1 8    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

2.  SYNBRANCHIA*    (the   synbranchoid   eels):    Body  eel-shaped; 
premaxillaries  well  developed;  scale  minute  or  wanting;  no 
paired  fins;  vertical  fins  reduced  to  folds  of  skin;  vent  at  a 
great  distance  from  head. 

a.  Shoulder  girdle  connected  to  the  skull  by  a  bony  posttemporal ; 
tail  longer  than  rest  of  body;  palatine  teeth  in  a  band;  gill- 
openings  small,  confluent,  inferior;  gills  4;  scales  wanting. 

Synbranchidce,  p.  131. 

3.  CARENCHELYI    (the  long-necked  eels).     Body  very  elongate, 
snake-like;  maxillaries  and  premaxillaries  developed;  branchial 
apparatus  as  in  Apodes. 

a.  Mouth  rather  large,  oblique;  jaws  well  developed;  tongue 
largely  free  anteriorly;  eyes  lateral  in  anterior  half  of  head; 
anterior  pair  of  nostrils  entirely  above  upper  lip,  not  tubular; 
scales  wanting.  Derichthyidce,  p.  132. 

4.  APODES  (the  eels)  :    Body  very  elongate,  more  or  less  snake- 
like;  premaxillaries  rudimentary  or  wanting;  vertebrae  in  large 
number ;  ventral  fins  wanting ;  no  spines  in  the  fins ;  gill-openings 
comparatively  small. 

a.  Skin  covered  with  rudimentary,  embedded  scales,  placed  at 
right  angles  to  each  other ;  mouth  terminal  or  nearly  so ;  teeth 
in  bands  on  jaws  and  vomer;  dorsal  fin  continuous  with  the 
anal  around  the  tails.  Anguillida^  p.  134. 

aa.     Scales  wholly  wanting. 

b.  Gill-openings  well  developed ;  tongue  present ;  pectoral  fins  more 
or  less  developed;  scapular  arch  present. 

c.  Tip  of  tail  with  a  more  or  less  distinct  fin,  the  dorsal  and  anal 
confluent  around  it. 

d.  Posterior  nostril  not  labial,  situated  entirely  above  the  upper 
lip;  body  moderately  slender,  but  not  worm-like. 

e.  Tongue  broad,  largely  free  in  front ;  vomerine  teeth  moderate. 

Leptocephalida,  p.  135. 

ee.  Tongue  rather  narrow,  largely  adnate  to  the  floor  of  the  mouth ; 
vomerine  teeth  well  developed,  sometimes  enlarged. 

Muranesocidce,  p.  141. 

*This  order  should  have  been  included  in  our  report  on  the  fresh  water  fishes 
of  Panama  (Field  Mus.  Nat.  Hist.  Pub.,  Zool.  Ser.,  Vol.  X,  1916,  pp.  217  to  374) 
but  it  was  overlooked  when  the  report  was  prepared. 

fThis  family  more  properly  should  have  been  included  in  our  report  on  the 
fresh  water  fishes  of  Panama  (Field  Mus.  Nat.  Hist.  Pub.,  Zool.  Ser.,  Vol.  X, 
1916,  pp.  217  to  374),  since  the  species  spend  most  of  their  lives  in  fresh  water, 
but  it  was  inadvertently  overlooked  when  that  report  was  prepared. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.      19 

dd.  Posterior  nostril  situated  either  in  the  upper  lip  or  very  near 
it;  body  more  or  less  worm-like.  Myrid<z,p.  145. 

cc.  Tip  of  tail  without  the  rudiments  of  a  fin,  projecting  beyond 
the  dorsal  and  anal  fins,  usually  ending  in  a  rather  sharp,  horny 
point.  Ophichthyida,  p.  147. 

bb.  Gill-openings  small;  tongue  wanting;  pectoral  fins  entirely 
wanting;  scapular  arch  obsolete;  skin  thick,  leathery;  color 
usually  variegated.  Muranida,  p.  160. 

5.  ISOSPONDYLI    (the  elupeoid  and  salmonoid  fishes) :    Anterior 
vertebrae  simple,  unmodified;  opercular  bones  distinct;  gills  4, 
a  slit  behind  the  fourth;  dorsal  and  anal  fins  without  true 
spines;    adipose    fin   present    or    absent    (absent    in    Panama 
species)  ;  ventral  fins  abdominal,  sometimes  wanting. 

a.  A  bony  plate  between  the  arms  of  the  lower  jaw. 

Elopida,  p.  173. 
aa.     No  plate  between  the  arms  of  the  lower  jaw. 

b.  Lateral  line  present;  tongue  and  base  of  skull  with  patches 
of  coarse,  blunt  teeth.  Albulidce,  p.  177. 

bb.  Lateral  line  wanting;  tongue  and  base  of  skull  without  patches 
of  coarse,  blunt  teeth. 

c.  Mouth  moderate,  terminal,  usually  more  or  less  oblique. 

Clupeida,  p.  179. 

cc.  Mouth  large,  inferior,  usually  horizontal,  the  snout  overhanging 
the  mouth ;  mandible  long  and  slender.  Engraulidce,  p.  195. 

6.  INIOMI  (the  lizard  fishes)  :  Anterior  vertebrae  simple,  unmodi- 
fied ;  opercular  bones  sometimes  imperfectly  developed ;  gills  4, 
a  slit  behind  the  fourth ;  dorsal  and  anal  fins  without  true  spines ; 
adipose  fin  present  or  absent   (present  in  Panama  species)  ; 
ventral  fins  if  present,  abdominal. 

a.  Adipose  fin  present;  mouth  very  large;  scales  usually  present, 
cycloid;  lateral  line  present;  caudal  fin  forked. 

Synodontida,  p.  215. 

7.  SYNENTOGNATHI     (the     needlefishes,    half-beaks    and    flying 
fishes)  :    Vertebrae  numerous,  the  abdominal  ones  much  more 
numerous   than    the    caudal;    lower   pharyngeal    bones    fully 
united;   fins   without  spines;  ventral   fins   with  more  than   5 
spines;  no  adipose  fin. 

a.  Both  jaws  greatly  produced,  forming  a  long  beak;  each  jaw 
with  a  band  of  short  pointed  teeth  to  end  of  beak;  pectoral 
fins  normal.  Belonidce,  p.  223. 

aa.    Upper  jaw   short,   the  lower  greatly  produced    (in   Panama 


2O   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

species);  no  teeth  on  produced  part  of  lower  jaw;  pectoral 
fins  normal.  H emir hamp hides,  p.  232. 

aaa.     The  jaws  not  produced  into  a  beak;  pectoral  fins  greatly  en- 
larged, used  as  organs  of  flight.  Exoccetidce,^.  241. 

8.  HEMIBRANCHII    (the  trumpet-fishes) :    Interclavicles  well  de- 
veloped; gills  pectinate;  snout  usually  more  or  less  produced 
(greatly  produced  in  Panama  species)  ;  the  small  mouth  placed 
at  end  of  snout ;  mouth  bounded  above  by  premaxillaries  only ; 
fins  with  or  without  spines  (without  spines  in  Panama  species)  ; 
ventral  fins  abdominal  or  subabdominal. 

a.  Head  very  long,  the  anterior  bones-  of  skull  much  produced, 
forming  a  long  tube;  scales  wanting,  replaced  by  bony  plates 
on  the  back,  on  sides,  and  on  chest.  Fistulariidce,  p.  248. 

9.  LOPHOBRANCHII    (the  pipe-fishes) :    Interclavicles  well  devel- 
oped; gills  tufted;  snout  greatly  produced,  bearing  at  the  end 
the  very  small  mouth,  bounded  by  premaxillaries' ;  teeth  wanting; 
skin  with  bony  plates ;  fins  with  soft  rays  only. 

a.  No  spinous  dorsal ;  no  ventral  fins ;  gill-openings  narrow ;  body 
covered  with  more  or  less  definite  bony  rings-. 

Syngnathidee,  p.  254. 

10.  ACANTHOPTERI   (the  spiny  rayed  fishes)  :    Interclavicles  want- 
ing ;  gills  laminated,  i.e.,  in  series,  one  lying  next  to  the  other ; 
mouth  bordered  by  premaxillaries ;  maxillary  usually  distinct, 
but  sometimes   co-ossified   with  the   premaxillaries;   opercular 
apparatus  complete;  pectorals  always  present;  ventrals  rarely 
wanting,  typically  with  I   spine  and  5  soft  rays;  dorsal  and 
anal  fins  typically  anteriorly  with  spines  or  simple  rays,  but 
sometimes  the  rays  are  all  articulated. 

A.     Ventral  fins  present,  abdominal. 

a.  Dorsal  fins  2,  the  anterior  composed  of  spines  only,  the  posterior 
chiefly  of  soft  rays. 

b.  The  lowermost  rays  of  pectorals  free  and  filamentous. 

Polynemida,  p.  288. 
bb.     Pectoral  fins  entire,  no  free  rays. 

c.  Head  normal,  not  pike-like ;  the  jaws  not  much  produced,  rather 
weak;  teeth  small  or  wanting;  lateral  line  obsolete. 

d.  First  dorsal  with  3  to  9  flexible  spines;  anal  fin  with  a  single 
weak   spine.  Atherinida,  p.  262. 

dd.  First  dorsal  with  4  stiff  spines ;  anal  fin  with  3  stiff  graduated 
spines  (2  in  very  young).  Mugilid(z,p.  273. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     21 

cc.  Head  long,  pike-like;  jaws  long  and  strong;  teeth  strong, 
unequal;  lateral  line  present.  Sphyranida,  p. 282. 

AA.  Ventral  fins  present,  thoracic  or  subjugular,  definitely  with 
I,  5  rays. 

a.  Ventral  fins  well  separated,  never  united. 

b.  Suborbital  with  a  bony  stay  extending  across  cheek;  cheek 
sometimes  entirely  mailed. 

c.  Pectoral  fins  with  3  lower  rays  detached;  head  bony. 

Triglidce,  p.  847. 
cc.     Pectoral  fins  entire,  none  of  the  rays  detached. 

d.  Dorsal  with  4  or  5  spines,  these  occasionally  wanting  (wanting 
in  Katheostoma)  ;  eyes  small,  superior,  looking  up;  lips  fringed. 

Uranoscopidce,  p.  906. 

dd.  Dorsal  with  8  to  16  spines,  eyes  moderate,  lateral;  lips  not 
fringed;  anal  spines  3;  head  large,  with  prominent  ridges, 
terminating  in  spines.  Scorpanidce,  p.  832. 

bb.     Suborbital  stay  wanting;  cheeks  not  mailed. 

e.  Top  of  head  with  a  large  sucking  disk,  composed  of  several 
crosswise  partitions  or  laminae  and  a  single  lengthwise  septum. 

Echeneidida,  p.  894. 
ee.     Head  without  a  sticking  disk. 

f.  Some  or  all  of  the  dorsal  or  anal  spines  more  or  less  discon- 
nected, the  former  depressible  in  a  groove. 

g.  Body  very  elongate,  more  or  less  spindle-shaped;  head  de- 
pressed ;  dorsal  with  8  or  9  free  spines.  Rachycentridce,  p.  403. 

gg.     Body  oblong  or  ovate,  compressed. 

h.  Anal  fin  preceded  by  2  free  spines  (these  obsolete  in  very  old, 
joined  by  membrane  in  very  young);  ventral  fins  normal; 
oesophagus  normal,  without  teeth. 

i.  Preopercle  entire;  teeth,  if  present,  moderate;  caudal  fin  very 
broadly  forked,  the  peduncle  slender.  Carangidcs,  p.  331. 

ii.  Preopercle  serrate,  teeth  in  jaws  unequal,  some  of  them  much 
enlarged;  caudal  fin  moderately  forked,  the  peduncle  moder- 
ately stout.  Pomatomid(Z,p.  401. 

hh.  Anal  fin  long,  similar  to  dorsal,  not  preceded  by  free  spines, 
with  3  or  more  connected  spines ;  ventral  fins  normal  in  young, 
sometimes  reduced  or  wanting  in  adult;  oesophagus  provided 
with  lateral  sacs  which  are  toothed  internally. 

Stromateida,  p.  407. 

ff.  Dorsal  spines,  if  present,  all  or  nearly  all  connected  by  mem- 
brane. 


22   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

j.  Dorsal  and  anal  each  followed  by  a  series  of  detached  finlets; 
anal  fin  not  preceded  by  free  spines;  caudal  peduncle  with 
prominent  lateral  keel;  caudal  fin  broadly  forked. 

Scombrida,  p.  307. 

jj.     Dorsal  and  anal  without  finlets. 

k.  Caudal  peduncle  armed  laterally  with  a  strong  lancet-like  spine ; 
gill-openings  restricted  to  the  sides,  the  membranes  attached 
to  the  isthmus.  Hepatidce,  p.  779. 

kk.     Caudal  peduncle  unarmed. 

I.  Throat  with  2  long  unbranched  barbels  attached  just  back  of 
symphysis  of  lower  jaw.  Mullida,  p.  302. 

II.  Throat  with  long  barbels. 

m.  Nostrils  single  on  each  side;  lateral  line  not  complete,  ending 
under  soft  dorsal ;  anal  with  2  spines.  Pomacentrida,  p.  693. 

mm.  Nostrils  double  on  each  side. 

n.       Lateral  line  extending  to  tip  of  middle  rays  of  caudal. 

o.      Anal  spines  3,  the  second  very  strong;  dorsal  fins  separate. 

Centropomida,  p.  419. 

oo.  Anal  fin  with  i  or  2  spines,  the  second  moderate  or  small; 
dorsal  fin  deeply  notched  or  more  or  less  separate. 

Scicenidce,  p.  610. 

nn.  Lateral  line  not  extending  beyond  base  of  caudal  (except  in 
a  few  species  of  Hcemulidce). 

p.      Gills  3^,  the  slit  behind  the  last  very  small  or  wanting. 

q.  Teeth  in  jaws  nearly  or  quite  distinct,  separate,  some  of  the 
anterior  ones  more  or  less  enlarged,  canines. 

Labridce,  p.  708. 

qq.  Teeth  in  jaw  coalesced  on  sides,  usually  forming  a  continuous 
cutting  edge,  with  an  evident  median  suture. 

Scaridce,  p.  731. 

pp.     Gills  4,  a  long  slit  behind  the  fourth. 

r.  Teeth  setiform,  like  the  teeth  of  a  brush,  or  at  least  very  slender, 
movable;  body  short  and  deep;  soft  fins  completely  scaled; 
gill-membranes  attached  to  isthmus. 

s.  Dorsal  fins  rather  deeply  notched  or  divided;  teeth  slender, 
but  scarcely  bristle-like.  Ephippida,  p.  759. 

ss.      Dorsal  fins  continuous;  teeth  numerous,  slender,  bristle-like. 

Chatodontida,  p.  764. 

rr.  Teeth  not  very  slender  or  bristle-like,  usually  fixed ;  gill-mem- 
branes free  from  the  isthmus  or  nearly  so. 

t.       Premaxillaries  excessively  protractile,  their  basal  processes  very 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     23 

long,  entering  a  groove  at  top  of  cranium  just  underneath  the 
skin;  scales  large,  silvery;  spines  strong.  Gerridce,p.$%i. 

tt.      Premaxillaries  moderately  protractile,  or  not  protractile. 

u.  Lateral  line  incomplete,  running  close  to  dorsal  fin;  dorsal 
spines  very  slender,  continuous  with  the  soft  rays ;  anal  fin  very 
long,  with  about  1 8  to  20  rays.  Opisthognathida,  p.  899. 

uu.    Lateral  line,  if  present,  complete. 

v.  Dorsal  fin  very  long,  beginning  on  head,  with  about  50  to  60 
rays,  no  definite  spines;  caudal  fin  widely  forked;  anal  fin 
shorter.  Coryphcenidce,  p.  405. 

vv.  Dorsal  fin  shorter,  not  beginning  on  head,  anteriorly  with 
spines. 

w.  Anal  spines  2,  rarely  3  or  4  (2  in  Panama  species)  ;  dorsal  fins 
well  separated,  the  first  with  3  to  9  spines ;  scales  large. 

Cheilodipterida,  p.  414. 

ww.  Anal  fin  with  3  spines;  dorsal  fin  continuous  or  rarely  divided 
(continuous  in  Panama  species). 

x.  Maxillary  not  sheathed  by  the  preorbital  or  only  partly  sheathed ; 
opercles  usually  ending  in  I  or  2  flat  spines. 

y.  Vomer  without  teeth;  dorsal  fin  continuous;  body  deep,  com- 
pressed. Lobotidce,  p.  483. 

yy.    Vomer  and  usually  palatines  also  with  teeth. 

z.  Anal  fin  nearly  as  long  as  dorsal  and  similar  to  it;  head  and 
body  everywhere  with  rough  scales;  body  rather  deep,  com- 
pressed; post-ocular  part  of  head  shortened. 

Priacanthidce,  p.  486. 

zz.  Anal  fin  shorter  than  dorsal ;  head  not  everywhere  covered  with 
rough  scales;  body  usually  quite  elongate  and  generally  more 
or  less  compressed ;  post-ocular  part  of  head  not  shortened. 

Serranida,  p.  434. 

xx.  Maxillary  slipping  for  the  most  part  under  the  preorbital  and 
more  or  less  completely  shielded  by  the  latter;  opercle  without 
spines. 

a'.  Teeth  on  the  jaws  not  all  incisors;  alimentary  canal  compara- 
tively short;  carnivorous  fishes. 

b'.  Vomer  with  teeth,  these  sometimes  very  small;  teeth  in  the 
jaws  usually  unequal,  some  of  them  more  or  less  canine-like. 

Lutianidce,  p.  490. 

bb'.    Vomer  without  teeth. 

c'.  Teeth  on  sides  of  jaws  not  molar-like,  all  pointed  and  no  marked 
canines ;  preopercle  usually  serrate.  Hamulidce,  p.  520. 


24    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

cc'.    Teeth  on  sides  of  jaw  molar-like,  the  anterior  teeth  conical  or 
more  or  less  incisor-like;  preopercle  entire.      Sparidce,^.  571. 
aa'.    Teeth  on  anterior  part  of  jaws  incisors,  no  molars  or  canines ; 
alimentary  canal  very  long;  herbivorous  fishes. 

Kyphosida,  p.  604. 

aa.     Ventral  fins  either  very  close  together  or  more  usually  united, 
forming  a  sucking  disk,  or  at  least  a  part  of  a  sucking  disk 
situated  between  them, 
d'.      Gills  4;  dorsal  fins  2,  separate  or  more  or  less  united. 

Gobiidce,  p.  86 1. 
dd'.    Gills  2l/2  or  3 ;  dorsal  fin  single,  without  definite  spines. 

Gobiesocidce,  p.  925. 

A  A  A.  Ventral  fins  present,  thoracic  or  jugular,  the  number  of  rays 
not  definitely  I,  5. 

a.  Eyes  symmetrical,  one  on  each  side  of  head. 

b.  Ventral  fin  with  or  without  spine,  with  more  than  5  rays. 

c.  Body  covered  with  firm,  strongly  serrated  scales;  dorsal  with 
about  ii  strong  spines,  none  of  them  filamentous;  anal  fin  with 
4  strong  spines.  Holocentridce,  p.  293. 

cc.  Body  covered  with  rather  small  cycloid  scales;  dorsal  with  8 
long,  slender  spines,  filamentous  (except  in  very  young)  ;  anal 
fin  with  a  single,  slender  spine.  N emails tiid a ,  p.  329. 

bb.     Ventral  fins  with  or  without  spine,  with  fewer  than  5  rays. 

d.  Dorsal  fin  consisting  of  spines  only,  or  partly  of  spines,  or  at 
least  partly  of  simple,  unbranched  rays. 

e.  Pectoral  fins  divided  into  2  parts,  the  anterior  part  nearly  as 
long  as  head,  composed  of  about  6  rays,  the  other  part  pro- 
duced, reaching  nearly  to  base  of  caudal  in  adult  (shorter  in 
young) ,  used  as  organs  of  flight.  Cephalacanthidce,  p.  859. 

ee.     Pectoral  fins  not  divided. 

f.  Dorsal  with  2  to  4  spines;  gills  3,  the  membranes  broadly 
'  united  to  the  isthmus ;  head  broad,  depressed ;  ventral  fins  with 

I,  2  or  I,  3  rays.  Batrachoidida,  p.  910. 

ff.  Dorsal  spines  or  simple  rays  usually  numerous  (10  or  more 
in  Panama  species)  ;  gills  4. 

g.  Gill-membranes  separate,  free  from  the  isthmus ;  opercles  and 
lips  fringed ;  eyes  superior.  Dactyloscopida,  p.  901. 

gg.     Gill-membranes  usually  more  or  less  united  to  the  isthmus; 

opercles  and  lips  not  fringed;  eyes  rarely  superior, 
h.       Gill-openings   not   reduced  to   horizontal   slits  below   and   in 

advance  of  pectorals.  Blenniidce,  p.  928. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     25 

hh.  Gill-openings  reduced  to  small,  more  or  less  horizontal  slits 
below  and  in  advance  of  pectorals.  Cerdalidce,  p.  954. 

dd.  Dorsal  fin  with  soft  rays  only;  ventral  fins  jugular,  few  rayed, 
sometimes  very  elongate. 

i.  Pseudobranchiae  developed;  body  elongate,  more  or  less  eel- 
shaped;  ventral  fins  developed  as  slender  filaments,  attached 
at  the  throat  not  far  behind  eye ;  gill-membranes  separate,  free 
from  the  isthmus ;  body  scaly.  Ophidiida,  p.  959. 

ii.  Pseudobranchiae  absent  (or  very  rudimentary  in  Brotulidce)  ; 
body  elongate  or  stoutish,  not  eel-shaped. 

j.       Dorsal  fin  single,  low;  ventral  fins  short.        Brotulidce, p.  965. 

jj.  Dorsal  fins  2,  the  anterior  fin  at  nape,  consisting  of  a  single 
slender  ray.  Bregmacerotidcs,  p.  968. 

aa.  Eyes  unsymmetrical,  both  on  one  side  of  head  (except  in  very 
young). 

k.  Eyes  large,  well  separated;  preopercular  margin  usually  dis- 
tinct and  not  hidden  by  skin  and  scales.  Pleuronectidce,  p.  970. 

kk.  Eyes  small,  close  together ;  preopercular  margin  adnate,  hidden 
by  skin  and  scales.  Soleida,  p.  993. 

AAAA.  Ventral  fins  wholly  wanting. 

a.  Gill-membranes  broadly  united  to  the  isthmus,  restricting  the 
gill-openings  to  the  sides ;  maxillaries  and  premaxillaries  present, 
often  immovable  and  united  to  the  rest  of  cranium. 

b.  Dorsal  fins  2,  the  anterior  spine,  inserted  just  behind  cranium, 
the  posterior  of  soft  rays;  body  short  and  deep,  much  com- 
presed;  scales  rough  or  spiny. 

c.  First  dorsal  with  3,  rarely  2,  spines,  the  first  spine  very  large, 
the  second  locking  it  in  erection;   scales  rather  large,  bony, 
forming  a  coat  of  mail.  Balistida,  p.  786. 

cc.  First  dorsal  with  a  single  spine,  with  a  rudiment  at  base ;  scales 
minute,  bearing  very  slender  spines,  making  the  surface  of  body 
rough  velvety.  Monacanthida,  p.  795. 

bb.     Dorsal  fin  continuous,  of  soft  rays  only. 

d.  Body  enveloped  in  a  bony  box;  belly  not  capable  of  inflation; 
teeth  in  the  jaws  separate.  Ostraciidce,  p.  804. 

dd.  Body  not  enveloped  in  a  bony  box;  belly  capable  of  inflation; 
teeth  in  the  jaws  not  separate,  but  developed  into  a  more  or 
less  continuous  plate,  beak-like. 

e.  Teeth  in  each  jaw  anterior  divided  by  a  median  suture;  body 
not  covered  with  large  bony  spines,  naked  or  with  small  prickles. 

Tetraodontidce,  p.  808. 


26    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

ee.  The  teeth  in  the  jaws  undivided,  no  median  suture;  body 
covered  with  strong  bony  spines.  Diodontida,  p.  825. 

aa.     Gill  membranes  free  from  the  isthmus. 

f.  Vent  at  throat;  vertical  fins  confluent;  body  more  or  less  eel- 
shaped.  Fierasferida,  p.  962. 

ff.  Vent  normally  placed,  not  at  throat;  caudal  fin  wanting;  body 
extremely  elongate,  band-shaped,  tapering  posteriorly;  no 
scales.  Trichiuridce ,  p.  327. 

ii.  PEDICULATA  (the  frog  and  bat-fishes)  :  Carpal  bones  greatly 
elongate,  forming  an  arm,  supporting  the  broad  pectoral ;  gill- 
openings  reduced  to  small  foramen  situated  near  the  axil  more 
or  less  posterior  to  the  pectorals;  ventral  fins,  if  present, 
jugular;  first  dorsal  reduced  to  a  few  tentacle-like,  mostly 
isolated  spines;  scales  wanting. 

a.  Gill-openings  in  or  behind  the  lower  axil  of  pectoral;  mouth 
large,  terminal,  nearly  vertical;  skin  naked,  smooth,  or  prickly. 

Antennariidce,  p.  1010. 

aa.  Gill-openings  in  or  behind  upper  axil  of  pectoral ;  mouth  small, 
usually  inferior;  skin  with  bony  tubercles  or  spines. 

Ogcocephalida,  p.  1016. 


Class  I.  Leptocardii. 

Order  I.  Amphioxi. 
Family  I.    Branchiostomidae*. 

THE  LANCELETS. 

Body  elongate,  lanceolate,  compressed,  naked,  colorless;  the  eye 
rudimentary;  mouth  inferior,  appearing  as  an  elongate  fissure, 
surrounded  by  rather  stiff  cirri;  dorsal  fin  represented  by  a  low 
fold  extending  on  the  back,  and  usually  with  a  rudimentary  fold 
below  representing  the  anal  fin. 

The  lancelets  are  small  translucent  creatures,  the  largest  Ameri- 
can species  reaching  a  length  of  only  about  70  mm~.  They  are 
quite  sharply  pointed  at  each  end  and  largest  in  the  middle.  The 
lancelets  are  usually  found  embedded  in  sand  on  warm  coasts 
throughout  the  world.  A  single  genus  and  species  is  repre- 
sented in  the  Panama  collection. 

1.     Genus  Branchiostoma  Costa. 

Branchiostoma  Costa,  Cenni  Zool.,  Naples,  1834,  49  (type  Limax  lanceo- 

latus  Pallas). 
Amphioxus  Yarrell,  Hist.  British  Fishes,  1836,  468  (type  Limax  lance- 

olatus  Pallas). 

Reproductive  organs  or  gonads  present  on  both  sides  of  the  median 
line ;  anal  fin  present,  with  traces  of  rays ;  vetebral  column  not  pro- 
duced backward  into  a  caudal  process.  Six  or  seven  species  are 
recognized,  some  of  them  closely  related  and  not  well  defined.  One 
species  was  taken  on  the  Pacific  coast  and  one  may  be  expected  on 
the  Atlantic  coast  of  Panama.  The  lancelets  live  in  warm  seas, 
usually  more  or  less  buried  in  sand  flats.  The  sexes  are  separate,  but 
there  is  no  distinction,  other  than  that  of  gonads  or  the  organs  of 
reproduction,  between  the  male  and  female.  The  gonads  are  pairs 
of  pouches  arranged  along  the  ventral  surface  of  the  body,  covered 
at  the  sides  by  the  continuation  of  the  body  wall  which,  however, 
forms  an  elongate  pouch  on  the  ventral  surface  opening  on  the  median 

*A  list  of  lancelets  of  the  world  by  Carl  L.  Hubbs  (Occas.  Papers  Mus. 
Zool.  Univ.  Mich.,  No.  105,  1922),  containing  many  revisions  and  some  new 
species,  has  recently  been  published.  The  reader  is  referred  to  this  paper  for 
the  most  recent  grouping  and  classification  of  the  lancelets. 

27 


28   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

line.     When  ripe  the  ova  and  sperms  are  liberated  and  fertilization 
takes  place  externally  in  the  water. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.      Muscular  rings,  or  myomeres,  about  58.  caribceum,  p.  28. 

aa.    Muscular  rings,  or  myomeres,  about  69.         calif orniense,  p.  28. 

1.  Branchiostoma  caribaeum  Sundevall. 

Branchiostoma  caribceum  Sundevall,  Ofvers.  Vet.  Akad.  Forhandl.,  1853, 

12  (St.  Thomas,  Rio  Janeiro) ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S. 

Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  3. 

Muscular  bands  or  myomeres  usually  about  58 ;  gonads  22  to  26  on 
each  side ;  tail  short ;  extremities  attenuate.  Usual  length  about  40  mm. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us,  but  its  range  brings  it  within  the 
scope  of  the  present  work. 

Known  from  North  Carolina  to  the  mouth  of  the  La  Plata. 

2.  Branchiostoma  calif  orniense  Gill. 

Branchiostoma,  species,  Cooper,  in  Cronise,  Nat.  Wealth  California, 

1868,  489  (San  Diego,  Cat). 

Branchiostoma  calif  orniense  Gill,  in  Andrews,  Studies  Biol.  Lab.  Johns 
Hopkins  Univ.,  V,  1893,  238  (San  Diego,  Cal.)  ;  Jordan  &  Ever- 
mann, Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  4. 
Muscular  bands  or  myomeres  rather  prominent,  about  68  to  70  in 
number;  gonads  32  to  36  on  each  side;  the  portion  of  body  in  advance 
of  gonad  bearing  portion  4.6  to  5.6  in  total  length;  gonad  bearing 
portion  1.8  to  2;  tail  3.1  to  3.55. 

There  are  61  specimens  at  hand,  ranging  in  length  from  20  to  37 
mm.,  collected  by  Mr.  Robert  Tweedlie  while  operating  a  sand  dredge. 
In  the  absence  of  material  for  comparison,  we  tentatively  refer  these 
specimens  to  B.  calif  orniense. 

Heretofore  known  from  the  coast  of  California.  If  our  identi- 
fication proves  to  be  correct,  the  range  is  now  extended  southward 
to  Panama.  The  specimens  at  hand  were  taken  at  Chame  Point. 


Class  II.  Elasmobranchii. 

Order  II.  Asterospondyli. 
Family  II.    OrectolobidaB. 

THE  NURSE  SHARKS. 

Body  short  and  subcylindrical  to  moderate  and  depressed ;  nostrils 
with  a  nasoral  groove  and  with  a  cirrus  or  barbel;  mouth  transverse, 
with  labial  folds  around  angles;  teeth  compressed,  with  or  without 
lateral  cusps  on  each  side  of  the  median  one;  eyes  very  small,  without 
nictitating  membrane;  spiracle  minute  to  large,  and  behind  the  eye 
or  more  or  less  below  it;  gill-slits  small  to  medium,  the  posterior  2  or 
3  above  base  of  pectoral;  caudal  fin  narrow,  usually  without  exerted 
lower  lobe ;  other  fins  short  and  broad ;  no  fin  spines ;  no  caudal  pits. 

2.  Genus  Ginglymostoma  Miiller  &  Henle. 

Ginglymostoma  Miiller  &  Henle,  Charlesw.  Mag.  Nat.  Hist.,  II,  1837, 

113  (type  S quoins  cirratus  Gmelin). 

Body  moderately  elongate,  compressed  posteriorly,  depressed 
anteriorly;  head  broad;  snout  very  blunt;  nostrils  near  tip  of  snout, 
remote  from  each  other,  connected  with  the  mouth  by  a  groove,  each 
anteriorly  with  a  cylindrical  barbel ;  mouth  broad,  little  arched ;  teeth 
small,  compressed,  with  a  strong  central  cusp  and  one  or  more  smaller 
lateral  ones,  several  series  functioning;  spiracle  minute  and  behind 
eye;  gill-slits  moderate,  the  last  two  close  together  and  above  base  of 
pectoral ;  dorsal  fins  rather  close  together,  the  first  over  the  ventrals, 
the  second  somewhat  in  advance  of  anal. 

3.  Ginglymostoma  cirratum  (Bonnaterre). 

Squalus  cirratus  Bonnaterre,  Tableau  Encyclo.,  Ichth.,  1788,  7;  Gmelin 

Syst.  Nat.,  I,  1789,  1492  (American  Seas). 
Squalus  punctulatus  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II,  1800,  120,  PI.  IV, 

fig.  3  ("Southern  America"). 

Squalus  punctatus  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801,  134  (Cuba). 
Squalus  argus  Bancroft,  Zool.  Jour.,  V,  1835,  82  (West  Indies). 
Ginglymostoma  cirratum  Miiller  &  Henle,  Plagiostomen,  1841,  23;  Jor- 

29 


30    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

dan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  26,  PI.  IV, 
fig.  13;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  5  (Pan- 
ama Bay)  ;  Carman,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI,  1913, 
54,  PI.  VII,  figs.  4-6. 
Ginglymostoma  fulvum  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1861,  342,  PI.  XIX,  figs. 

15  &  16  (Havana). 

Ginglymostoma  caboverdianus  Capello,  Jour.  Sci.  Math.  Phys.  Lisboa, 
I,  1867,  167,  fig.  i  (Cape  Verde). 

Body  posteriorly  compressed,  head  and  anterior  part  of  body 
depressed;  snout  short,  broadly  rounded;  mouth  much  in  advance  of 
eyes,  making  the  preoral  length  of  snout  very  short,  mouth  transverse, 
little  arched ;  lips  present  on  both  jaws  but  not  reaching  the  symphysis, 
the  upper  one  extending  to  nostril  and  longer  than  the  lower;  teeth 
small,  several  series  in  function,  with  sharp  median  cusp  and  a  smaller 
denticle  on  each  side;  nostrils  nearly  at  margin  of  snout,  connected 
with  the  mouth  by  a  groove,  anteriorly  with  a  fleshy  barbel  reaching 
to  or  beyond  cleft  of  mouth;  eye  very  small,  elongate,  the  longest 
diameter  a  little  greater  than  half  the  longest  gill-slit  in  the  very 
young,  proportionately  much  shorter  in  large  specimens;  interorbital 
broad,  convex,  .8  in  snout;  gill-slits  5,  the  last  2  very  close  together 
and  above  base  of  pectoral,  the  longest  2.5  to  2.85  in  distance  between 
eye  and  nostril;  a  very  small  spiracle  back  of  eye;  denticles  on  skin 
below  base  of  first  dorsal  irregular  in  size,  an  occasional  one  greatly 
enlarged,  triangular,  slightly  imbricate,  one  or  three-keeled;  origin 
of  first  dorsal  over  ventrals,  about  equidistant  from  origin  of  pectorals 
and  base  of  caudal,  the  fin  highest  anteriorly,  angles  round,  outer 
margin  straight,  its  base  .5  to  .8  in  distance  between  dorsals;  second 
dorsal  somewhat  smaller,  similar  in  shape,  its  base  .65  to  .9  in  distance 
between  dorsals ;  caudal  long,  with  small  notch  beyond  end  of  vertebrae, 
angles  rounded,  lower  lobe  not  exerted ;  anal  smaller  than  second 
dorsal,  its  origin  under  middle  of  base  of  second  dorsal,  its  base  .75 
to  1.15  in  distance  between  dorsal  fins;  ventral  fins  larger  than  the 
anal;  pectoral  fins  nearly  as  broad  as  long,  inserted  nearer  tip  of 
snout  than  origin  of  ventrals. 

Color  of  young,  337mm.  long,  grayish  brown,  somewhat  paler 
below  than  above ;  body  and  fins  everywhere  with  distinct  round  black 
spots.  A  specimen  1150  mm.  long  is  plain  grayish  above,  somewhat 
paler  below. 

Two  specimens,  337  and  1150  mm.  in  length,  were  taken.  The 
species  reaches  a  large  size  and  occasionally  even  in  the  young  the 
spots  described  for  our  specimen  are  wanting.  Sometimes  the  young 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     31 

have  a  dark  band  across  the  snout,  another  through  the  first  dorsal 
and  ventrals  and  a  third  through  the  second  dorsal  and  anal. 

Known  from  the  Tropical  Atlantic  and  Eastern  Pacific.  One  of 
our  specimens  is  from  Colon  and  the  other  is  from  Balboa. 

Family  III.    Galeorhinidae. 

Body  elongate;  head  and  snout  depressed;  tail  compressed;  eyes 
lateral,  with  a  nictitating  membrane  below;  nostrils  on  lower  surface 
of  snout;  mouth  inferior,  crescent-shaped;  teeth  numerous,  arranged 
like  brick  pavement,  several  series  functioning,  with  or  without  a  low 
cusp ;  spiracles  present  or  absent ;  dorsal  fins  2,  without  spine,  the  first 
above  the  space  between  the  pectorals  and  ventrals ;  anal  fin  present. 

A  single  genus  of  this  family  is  known  from  the  Isthmus  of 
Panama. 

3.    Genus  Galeorhinus  Blainville. 

Galeorhinus  Blainville,  Bull.  Soc.  Philom.,  1816,  121  (type  Squalus  canis 

Linnaeus). 
Pleuracromylon  Gill,   Proc.   Ac.   Nat.   Sci.   Phila.,    1864,    148    (type 

Mustelus  lavis  Miiller  &  Henle). 
Cynias  Gill,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1903,  960  (type  Squalus  canis 

Mitchill). 

Body  elongate,  slender;  head  short,  broad,  depressed;  snout 
comparatively  long,  flattened,  rounded;  eyes  lateral,  with  a  well 
developed  nictitating  membrane;  nostrils  large,  far  apart,  no  nasoral 
groove;  spiracles  small,  behind  the  eyes;  mouth  crescent-shaped,  with 
well  developed  labial  folds;  teeth  arranged  like  pavement,  with  or 
without  low  cusps;  dorsals  similar  in  shape,  the  first  not  far  behind 
the  pectorals,  the  second  smaller  and  over  the  anal;  caudal  pits 
wanting;  caudal  not  deep,  the  lower  lobe  scarcely  exerted. 

The  sharks  of  this  genus  are  used  as  food  in  Panama. 

KEY   TO   THE   SPECIES. 

a.  Dermal  denticles  below  base  of  first  dorsal,  closely  imbricate, 
closely  adherent  to  the  skin,  without  a  high  pedicel ;  no  black 
pigment  spots  evident  on  skin  between  and  underneath  the 
dermal  denticles. 

b.  Teeth  with  rather  high  and  sharp  apex  or  cusp ;  eye  very  small, 
its  longest  diameter  shorter  than  internarial  space ;  inner  angle 
of  nostril  equidistant  from  tip  of  snout  and  posterior  margin 
of  upper  labial  fold;  upper  labial  fold  longer  than  the  lower; 


32   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

ventrals  inserted  notably  nearer  origin  of  anal  than  origin  of 
pectorals.  dorsalis,  p.  32. 

bb.  Teeth  rather  smooth,  with  very  low  apex  or  cusp;  eye  large, 
its  longest  diameter  greater  than  internarial  space;  inner  angle 
of  nostril  notably  nearer  tip  of  snout  than  posterior  margin  of 
upper  labial  fold;  upper  labial  fold  a  little  shorter  than  the 
lower;  ventrals  inserted  about  equidistant  from  origin  of  anal 
and  origin  of  pectorals.  lunulatus,  p.  33. 

aa.  Dermal  denticles  not  imbricate,  raised  well  above  the  surface 
of  the  skin  by  a  long  pedicel,  definite,  round;  black  pigmented 
spots  distributed  over  the  skin  between  and  underneath  the 
dermal  denticles;  inner  angle  of  nostril  notably  nearer  tip  of 
snout  than  posterior  margin  of  upper  labial  fold;  ventrals 
inserted  nearer  origin  of  anal  than  origin  of  pectorals. 

lavis,  p.  34. 

4.  Galeorhinus  dorsalis  (Gill). 

Mustelus  dorsalis  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1864,  149  (Panama) ; 

Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882,  109  (Panama). 
Galeus  dorsalis  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  30;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  7,  PI. 

I,  fig.  2  (Panama  Bay). 
Galeorhinus  dorsalis  Garman,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI, 

1913,  178. 

Body  slender,  compressed;  head  strongly  depressed,  depth  over 
eye  2  to  2.2  in  snout ;  snout  rather  pointed,  very  thin,  preoral  length 
1.8  to  2.3  in  base  of  first  dorsal,  width  at  nostrils  .95  to  1.05  in  preoral 
length;  interorbital  convex,  i.i  to  1.2  in  snout;  nostrils  transverse, 
with  a  rather  long  and  narrow  lobe,  about  %  the  width  of  the  nostril, 
the  inner  angles  equidistant  from  tip  of  snout  and  posterior  margin 
of  upper  labial  fold,  internarial  space  2.45  to  2.65  in  preoral  length 
of  snout;  eye  small,  elongate,  its  longest  diameter  a  little  less  than 
internarial  space,  2.7  to  3  in  preoral  length ;  spiracle  an  elongate  slit ; 
mouth  rather  narrow,  both  lips  with  a  fold,  the  upper  broader  and 
longer  than  the  lower ;  teeth  paved,  with  sharp,  well  developed  apex ; 
dermal  denticles  very  similar  to  those  in  G.  lunulatus,  but  apparently 
with  a  sharper  apex  posteriorly;  first  dorsal  moderately  elevated 
anteriorly,  its  height  a  little  shorter  than  base,  outer  margin  concave, 
origin  over  or  slightly  in  advance  of  inner  angle  of  pectoral,  base  1.3 
to  1.6  in  distance  between  dorsals;  second  dorsal  similar  to  the  first, 
but  smaller,  its  base  1.55  to  2.15  in  distance  between  dorsal  fins;  upper 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     33 

caudal  lobe  rounded,  5.3  to  5.45  in  total  length;  lower  lobe  scarcely 
exerted,  2.1  to  2.35  in  the  upper;  anal  fin  notably  smaller  than  second 
dorsal,  with  concave  outer  margin,  its  origin  under  middle  of  base  of 
second  dorsal,  base  .88  to  1.15  in  distance  between  anal  and  base  of 
caudal;  ventral  fins  moderate,  inserted  notably  nearer  origin  of  anal 
than  origin  of  pectoral;  pectoral  fins  moderate,  the  posterior  margin 
little  concave,  upper  angle  rarely  reaching  opposite  middle  of  base  of 
first  dorsal. 

Color  plain  grayish  above;  pale  below. 

The  present  collection  contains  5  female  specimens,  ranging  in 
length  from  440  to  510  mm.  and  also  3  embryos,  all  males,  respectively 
190,  200  and  2iomm.  in  length,  which  appear  to  belong  to  this  species. 
The  teeth  in  the  embryos  are  not  well  developed,  the  eyes  are  rather 
too  large,  the  head  and  snout  too  narrow,  but  these  differences  may 
well  be  due  to  age. 

Known  from  Panama  Bay  and  Pacasmayo,  Peru.  Our  specimens 
are  all  from  the  Panama  City  fish  market. 

5.  Galeorhinus  lunulatus  (Jordan  &  Gilbert). 

Mustelus  lunulatus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882,  108 
(Mazatlan)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 
1896,  28;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  5,  PL 
I,  fig.  i  (Panama  Bay). 

Galeus  lunulatus  Jordan,  Proc.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  2nd  Ser.,  V,  1895,  382. 

Galeorhinus  lunulatus  Garman,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI, 

1913.  174. 

Body  quite  slender,  compressed ;  head  moderately  depressed,  depth 
over  eye  1.6  in  snout;  snout  rather  broad  and  thick,  preoral  length 
1.9  in  base  of  first  dorsal,  width  at  nostrils  .95  in  preoral  length; 
interorbital  broad,  flat,  i.i  in  snout;  nostrils  transverse,  with  a  large, 
broad  lobe,  a  little  less  than  half  the  width  of  nostril,  the  inner  angles 
notably  nearer  tip  of  snout  than  posterior  margin  of  upper  labial  fold, 
internarial  space  2.6  in  preoral  length  of  snout;  eye  rather  large, 
elongate,  its  longest  diameter  a  little  greater  than  internarial  space, 
2.3  in  preoral  length ;  spiracle  moderate,  oblong ;  mouth  rather  narrow, 
strongly  arched,  both  lips  with  a  fold,  the  upper  notably  broader  and 
a  little  shorter  than  the  lower;  teeth  blunt,  paved,  with  a  low  blunt 
apex;  dermal  denticles  on  skin  below  base  of  first  dorsal,  ovate  in 
form,  posteriorly  with  sharp  apex,  unequal  in  size,  closely  imbricate 
and  with  3  to  5  very  low  keels;  first  dorsal  high  anterior,  its  height 
equal  to  length  of  base,  outer  margin  concave,  origin  slightly  behind 


34    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

axil  of  pectoral,  base  1.7  in  distance  between  dorsal  fins;  upper  lobe 
of  caudal  rounded,  4.8  in  total  length;  lower  lobe  little  exerted,  2.35 
in  the  upper;  anal  fin  notably  smaller  than  the  second  dorsal,  with 
concave  outer  margin,  its  origin  a  little  in  advance  of  vertical  from 
middle  of  base  of  second  dorsal,  base  1.05  in  distance  between  anal 
and  base  of  caudal ;  ventral  fins  rather  broad,  inserted  about  equidistant 
from  origin  of  pectorals  and  origin  of  anal;  pectoral  fins  large  and 
broad,  the  posterior  margin  slightly  concave,  upper  angle  reaching 
nearly  to  end  of  base  of  first  dorsal. 

Color  plain  grayish  above ;  pale  below. 

A  single  specimen,  a  female  560  mm.  in  length,  was  taken.  The 
differences  between  this  species  and  G.  dorsalis,  while  not  great,  are 
numerous  and  have  been  well  defined  by  Gilbert  and  Starks  (1904). 
The  present  species  has  a  deeper  and  less  strongly  compressed  head 
and  snout,  a  flatter  interorbital,  a  larger  eye,  the  nostril  is  nearer  the 
tip  of  snout,  the  lobe  on  the  narial  valve  is  larger,  the  upper  labial 
fold  is  slightly  shorter  than  the  lower  instead  of  longer,  the  teeth  are 
blunter,  with  much  shorter  apex  or  cusp,  the  fins  are  generally  larger 
and  broader,  and  the  ventrals  and  first  dorsal  are  more  anteriorly 
inserted. 

Known  from  the  Gulf  of  California  to  Panama  Bay.  Our  specimen 
is  from  the  Panama  City  fish  market. 

6.  Galeorhinus  laevis  (Valmont). 

Squalus  mustelus  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  235  (In  part). 

Galeus  lavis  Valmont,  Diet.  Hist.  Nat.,  II,  1768,  102  (Mediterranean 

Sea?). 
Squalus  canis  Mitchill,  Trans.  Lit.  &  Phil.  Soc.  N.  Y.,  I,  1815,  486 

(New  York). 

Mustelus  lavis  Risso,  Hist.  Nat.  Princ.  Prod.  1'Europe,  III,  1826,  127. 
Squalus  lavis  Voigt,  Tierreich,  II,  1832,  508. 
Mustelus  equestris  Bonaparte,  Icon.  Fauna  Ital.,  Pesci,  III,  1841,  132, 

PI.  LXIX,  fig.  2  (Italy). 

Mustelus  vulgaris  Miiller  &  Henle,  Plagiostomen,  1841,  64  (Europe). 
Mustelus  canis  DeKay,  Fauna  N.  Y.,  Fishes,  1842,  355,  PI.  LXIV, 

fig.  209. 

Pleuracromylon  lavis  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1864,  148. 
Mustelus  natalensis  Steindachner,   Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien,  LIII, 

1866,  482,  PI.  I. 
Mustelus  hinnulus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI, 

1883,  19. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     35 

Rhinotriacis  Icevis  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.   S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI, 

1883,  60. 
Cynias  canis  Ribeiro,  Arch.  Mus.  Nat.  Brazil,  XIV,  1907,  161,  PI.  VII 

(Brazil). 
Galeorhinus  Icevis  Garman,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI,  1913, 

176,  PI.  IV,  figs.  4-9  and  PI.  LX,  figs.  1-4. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us,  but  its  range  of  distribution 
brings  it  within  the  scope  of  the  present  work.  It  is  nearest  to 
G.  lunidatus,  with  which  it  agrees  in  the  rather  deep  head,  large  eye, 
the  broad  nasal  flap,  the  forward  position  of  the  nostrils,  the  inner 
angle  of  the  opening  being  notably  nearer  tip  of  snout  than  posterior 
margin  of  upper  labial  fold,  and  in  the  blunt  teeth.  It  agrees  with 
G.  dorsalis  in  having  the  upper  labial  fold  longer  than  the  lower  and 
in  the  position  of  the  fins,  the  origin  of  the  dorsal  being  a  little  in 
advance  of  the  lower  angle  of  pectorals  and  the  ventral  fins  being 
inserted  notably  nearer  origin  of  anal  than  origin  of  pectorals.  G. 
lozvis  differs  from  both  these  species  in  the  minute  spiracles  and  in 
the  dermal  denticles.  The  latter  are  much  farther  apart,  not  imbricate 
in  specimens  examined  (400  mm.)  and  they  have  a  high  pedicel  which 
raises  them  well  above  the  skin.  In  the  other  species  they  are  not 
raised.  The  denticles  are  also  narrower  and  with  a  longer  and 
narrower  apex  posteriorly.  On  the  skin  between  and  underneath  are 
very  definite  round  spots  of  black  pigment.  These  pigmented  spots, 
if  present  in  G.  lunulatus  and  G.  dorsalis,  are  not  visible  because  they 
are  covered  by  the  overlapping  and  closely  adherent  denticles. 

Known  from  the  coasts  of  Europe  and  the  Atlantic  coast  of  North 
and  South  America.  Not  as  yet  recorded  from  the  Isthmus  of 
Panama. 

Family  IV.    Carcharhinidae. 

Body  elongate;  head  and  snout  depressed;  tail  compressed;  eyes 
lateral,  with  a  more  or  less  perfectly  developed  nictitating  membrane ; 
nostrils  below  the  snout;  mouth  crescent-shaped,  inferior;  dorsal  fins 
2,  without  a  spine,  the  first  in  advance  of  the  ventrals ;  anal  fin  present. 

KEY   TO   THE   GENERA. 

a.  Spiracles  absent. 

b.  Labial    folds  wanting;  teeth   more   or   less   serrate   on  both 
margins  of  cusp,  or  only  the  upper  teeth  serrate  at  base. 

c.  Teeth  more  or  less  serrate,  both  on  bases  and  cusps. 

Carcharhinus,  p.  36. 


36   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

cc.     Upper  teeth  serrate  at  base  only,  the  lower  teeth  entirely  smooth. 

Hypoprion,  p.  50. 

bb.     Labial  folds  well  developed,  present  on  both  jaws;  teeth  not 

serrate.  Scoliodon,  p.  51. 

aa.     Spiracles   present;   labial   folds  present;  teeth   in  both  jaws, 

coarsely  serrate.  Galeocerdo,  p.  56. 

4.  Genus  Carcharhinus  Blainville. 

Carcharhinus  Blainville,  Bull.  Soc.  Philom.,  1816,  121   (type  Squalus 

commersonii  Blainville). 
Carcharias  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  I,  II,  1817,  125  (type  Squalus 

carcharias;  not  Carcharias  Rafinesque). 
Prionodon  Miiller  &  Henle,  Plagiostomen,   1841,  36    (type  Squalus 

glaucus  Linnaeus;  preoccupied). 
Eulamia  Gill,  Ann.   Lye.   Nat.  Hist.   N.  Y.,  VII,    1861,  400    (type 

Carcharias    lamia    Rafinesque=Carcftar/imtt.y    commersonii    Blain- 
ville). 
Platypodon  Gill,  Ann.  Lye.  Nat.  Hist.  N.  Y.,  VII,  1861,  400  (type 

Carcharias  menisorrah  Miiller  &  Henle). 
Isogomphodon  Gill,  Ann.  Lye.  Nat.  Hist.  N.  Y.,  VII,  1861,  400  (type 

Carcharias  oxyrhynchus  Miiller  &  Henle). 
Lamiapsis  Gill,  Ann.  Lye.  Nat.  Hist.  N.  Y.,  VII,  1861,  400   (type 

Carcharias  temmincki  Miiller  &  Henle). 

Body  rather  robust;  head  broad,  depressed;  snout  produced; 
nostrils  and  mouth  inferior ;  teeth  compressed,  more  or  less  triangular, 
with  a  large  cusp  and  usually  a  broad  base;  eyes  small,  with  a  well 
developed  nictitating  membrane;  spiracles  wanting;  first  dorsal  large, 
placed  not  far  behind  the  pectorals;  second  dorsal  small,  wholly  or 
partly  above  the  anal ;  distinct  pits  at  base  of  each  caudal  lobe.  The 
embryos  are  attached  to  the  uterus  by  a  placenta. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES*. 

a.       Origin  of  second  dorsal  in  advance  of  anal,  the  bases  of  the 
fins  of  about  equal  length ;  snout  short,  broad,  blunt,  its  length 

*The  key  offered  herewith  is  unreliable,  because  of  the  great  variations 
which  take  place  with  age  in  this  group  of  sharks.  As  a  rule,  the  head,  snout 
and  mouth  are  proportionately  broader  in  the  adult  than  in  the  young  and  the 
fins  become  more  produced.  A  key,  therefore,  which  shows  the  affinities  of 
sharks  of  a  certain  size  quite  well  may  be  entirely  unsatisfactory  for  the  same 
species  of  different  sizes. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     37 

slightly  greater  than  width  of  mouth ;  dermal  denticles  scarcely 
or  not  at  all  imbricate,  three-keeled.  milberti,  p.  38. 

aa.  Origin  of  second  dorsal  over  origin  of  anal,  the  bases  of  the 
fins  of  about  equal  length  or  the  former  a  little  shorter. 

b.  Nostrils  obliquely  placed,   the  outer  angle  being  notably  in 
advance  of  the  inner,  remote  from  each  other,  the  interspace 
nearly  3  times  as  broad  as  eye. 

c.  Snout  short,  quite  pointed,  abruptly  narrowed  in  advance  of 
nostrils,  preoral  length  1.4  to  1.5  in  base  of  first  dorsal;  mouth 
very  broad,  about  2  times  as  broad  as  long ;  lower  teeth  serrate 
at  base  only;  26  teeth  in  outer  row  in  each  jaw;  lower  half  of 
sides  with  2  broad  indefinite,  longitudinal,  dark  stripes;  fins 
black  tipped.  natator  sp.  nov.;  p.  40. 

cc.  Snout  rather  long  and  acute  but  not  abruptly  narrowed  in 
advance  of  nostrils,  preoral  length  1.2  to  1.3  in  base  of  first 
dorsal;  mouth  narrower,  always  less  than  2  times  as  broad 
as  long ;  lower  teeth  serrate  nearly  to  tips ;  29  teeth  in  outer 
row  in  each  jaw;  fins  all  conspicuously  black  tipped. 

limbatus,  p.  41. 

ccc.  Snout  short,  broadly  rounded,  preoral  length  1.5  in  base  of  first 
dorsal;  mouth  less  than  2  times  as  broad  as  long;  margins  of 
lower  teeth  serrate  to  tips;  30  or  31  teeth  in  outer  row  in  each 
jaw;  fins  with  or  without  black  tips.  commersonii,  p.  43. 

bb.  Nostrils  transversely  placed,  the  outer  angle  not  in  advance  of 
the  inner,  rather  close  together,  the  interspace  about  equal  to 
diameter  of  eye ;  snout  very  long,  rather  pointed,  preoral  length 
about  .9  in  base  of  first  dorsal.  velox,  p.  45. 

aaa.  Origin  of  second  dorsal  behind  origin  of  anal,  the  base  of  the 
former  somewhat  shorter  than  that  of  the  latter. 

d.  Pectoral  fins  very  long,  reaching  to  or  beyond  end  of  base  of 
first  dorsal ;  origin  of  second  dorsal  over  middle  of  base  of  anal. 

e.  Upper  teeth  broad,  triangular,  the  lateral  ones  oblique,  notched 
posteriorly    at    base;    snout    broadly    rounded,    not    abruptly 
narrowed  in  front  of  nostrils;  origin  of  first  dorsal  a  little  in 
advance  of  inner  angle  of  pectorals;  pectoral  fins  reaching  end 
of  base  of  first  dorsal.  obscurus,  p.  46. 

ee.  Upper  teeth  narrow,  nearly  erect,  not  notched  at  base;  snout 
abruptly  narrowed  in  front  of  nostrils,  yet  broadly  rounded  at 
tip ;  origin  of  first  dorsal  over  axil  of  pectorals ;  pectoral  fins 
reaching  beyond  end  of  base  of  first  dorsal.  remotus,  p.  47. 


38   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

dd.  Pectoral  fins  shorter,  not  reaching  end  of  base  of  first  dorsal ; 
origin  of  second  dorsal  usually  behind  vertical  from  middle  of 
base  of  anal. 

f .  Snout  long,  rather  narrowly  rounded ;  nostrils  much  nearer  the 
eyes  than  tip  of  snout ;  26  teeth  in  the  outer  row  in  each  jaw. 

cerdale,  p.  47. 

ff.  Snout  moderate,  broadly  rounded;  nostrils  equidistant  from 
eyes  and  tip  of  snout;  29  teeth  in  outer  row  in  each  jaw. 

porosus,  p.  49. 

7.  Carcharhinus  milberti  (Miiller  &  Henle). 

Carcharias  milberti  Miiller  &  Henle,  Plagiostomen,  1841,  38,  PI.  XIX, 

fig.  3,  teeth  (New  York). 
Carcharias  ceruleus  De  Kay,  Fauna  N.  Y.,  Fishes,  1842,  349,  PI.  LXI, 

fig.  200  (New  York). 
Lamna  caudata  De  Kay,  Fauna  N.  Y.,  Fishes,  1842,  354,  PI.  LXII,  fig. 

205  (Rhode  Island). 

Eulamia  milberti  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1864,  262. 
Eulamia  nicaraguensis  Gill  &  Bransford,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila., 

1877,  190  (Lake  Nicaragua). 

Eulamia  coeruleus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882,  245. 
Carcharias  fronto  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882,  102 

(Mazatlan). 
Carcharinus  milberti  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI, 

1883,  22. 
Carcharias  plumbeus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI, 

1883,  872. 
Carcharias  azureus  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904, 

n,  PI.  II,  fig.  5  (Panama  Bay). 
Carcharinus  milberti  Garman,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI, 

1913,  133- 

Snout  short,  broad,  blunt,  preoral  length  1 .45  in  base  of  first  dorsal, 
its  width  at  nostrils  .9  in  preoral  length;  eye  moderate,  the  diameter 
greater  than  length  of  nostril;  interorbital  area  broad,  convex,  .85  in 
snout;  nostrils  obliquely  placed,  the  outer  angles  being  notably  in 
advance  of  the  inner  ones,  the  inner  angles  about  24  as  far  from 
mouth  as  from  tip  of  snout,  narial  valve  with  an  acute  lobe ;  distance 
from  eye  to  nostril  2.5  in  snout ;  internarial  space  a  little  less  than  3 
times  the  length  of  diameter  of  eye;  mouth  rather  broadly  arched,  its 
width  at  angles  .95  in  preoral  length  of  snout ;  teeth  in  upper  jaw 
triangular,  with  serrate  edges,  the  anterior  ones  erect,  the  lateral 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     39 

ones  oblique,  with  broader  bases  and  a  slight  notch  and  coarser 
serrations  posteriorly;  lower  teeth  narrower,  more  erect  and  with 
smaller  serrse,  a  single  reduced  tooth  in  outer  row  at  symphysis,  28 
teeth  in  outer  row  in  each  jaw ;  longest  gill-slit  about  2  in  internarial, 
1.45  in  distance  between  eye  and  outer  angle  of  nostril;  denticles  on 
skin  below  dorsal  not  imbricate,  three-keeled,  the  keels  not  projecting 
notably  beyond  margin  of  denticle ;  first  dorsal  higher  than  long,  origin 
over  axil  of  pectoral,  outer  margin  deeply  concave,  the  posterior  lobe 
not  greatly  produced,  base  2.1  in  distance  between  dorsal  fins;  second 
dorsal  small,  origin  of  fin  a  little  in  advance  of  anal,  outer  margin 
scarcely  concave,  base  5.2  in  distance  between  dorsals;  upper  lobe  of 
caudal  moderate,  pointed,  4.15  in  total  length;  lower  lobe  broad, 
blunter,  2.45  in  upper  lobe;  anal  fin  about  equal  to  second  dorsal,  its 
outer  margin  deeply  concave,  1.5  in  distance  from  anal  to  base  of 
lower  lobe  of  caudal ;  ventral  fins  rather  small,  inserted  about  midway 
between  origin  of  anal  and  vertical  from  end  of  base  of  first  dorsal ; 
pectoral  fins  moderate,  reaching  opposite  end  of  base  of  first  dorsal, 
posterior  margin  concave,  the  lower  lobe  about  3  in  upper. 

Color  grayish  above;  pale  yellowish  below  and  dusted  wiih  gray; 
fins  without  black  tips,  but  all  except  the  dorsals  with  pale  margins. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us  on  either  coast  of  Panama.  The 
above  description  is  based  on  a  specimen,  a  partial  skin,  620  mm. 
long,  from  the  U.  S.  National  Museum  collection,  taken  at  Beesley's 
Point,  N.  J.  We  follow  Carman  in  regarding  C.  asureus  from  the 
Pacific  identical  with  C.  milberti  from  the  Atlantic,  but  a  specimen,  a 
partial  skin,  of  C.  asureus  from  Ecuador  identified  and  compared  with 
the  type  by  Starks  (Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1906,  p.  763)  and  found  to 
agree  in  all  essential  characters  was  compared  by  us  with  the  specimen 
described  in  the  foregoing  description  and  found  to  differ  in  several 
respects.  The  Pacific  specimen  is  1025  mm.  long,  hence  much  larger 
than  the  Atlantic  specimen,  and  the  differences  noticed  may  be  due 
to  age.  The  body  appears  to  be  more  robust  in  the  Pacific  specimen, 
the  head  broader  and  more  strongly  depressed,  the  snout  is  broader 
and  much  more  bluntly  rounded,  preoral  length  1.9  in  base  of  first 
dorsal,  mouth  at  angles  .6  in  preoral  length,  width  of  snout  at  nostrils 
.7  in  preoral  length.  The  teeth  are  rather  broader  and  more  coarsely 
serrate,  the  dermal  denticles  on  skin  below  base  of  first  dorsal  are 
three-keeled  as  in  the  Atlantic  specimen,  but  the  keels  are  higher  and 
extend  prominently  beyond  the  margin  of  the  denticle  like  sharply 
pointed  spines.  The  fins  appear  to  be  higher,  the  lower  lobe  of  the 
pectoral  less  prominent,  being  contained  in  the  upper  4  times,  the 


4O    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

upper  caudal  lobe  3.4  in  the  total  length,  the  lower  lobe  1.9  in  the 
upper,  the  base  of  the  anal  is  contained  i.i  times  in  distance  between 
base  of  anal  and  base  of  lower  lobe  of  caudal.  We  certainly  must 
regard  the  present  arrangement  as  tentative  only,  for  more  specimens 
must  be  compared  before  the  true  affinities  of  the  specimens  from 
the  opposite  coasts  can  be  established. 

Known,  as  understood  by  Carman,  from  the  Middle  Atlantic  and 
Middle  Eastern  Pacific.  Recorded  from  Panama  Bay  by  Gilbert 
and  Starks. 

8.  Carcharhinus  natator  sp.  nov.  (Plate  I,  fig.  i.) 

Type  No.  79310,  U.  S.  N.  M. ;  length  850  mm.;  Panama  City. 
Body  compressed;  head  depressed;  snout  rather  short,  acute, 
decreasing  rapidly  in  width  in  advance  of  nostrils,  preoral  length  1.4 
to  1.5  in  base  of  first  dorsal,  its  width  at  nostrils  i.i  in  preoral  length; 
eye  small,  its  diameter  only  slightly  longer  than  nostril;  interorbital 
area  convex,  .9  in  snout;  nostrils  obliquely  placed,  the  outer  angles 
being  in  advance  of  the  inner  ones,  the  inner  angles  about  $4  as  far 
from  mouth  as  from  tip  of  snout,  narial  valve  with  a  very  small,  acute 
lobe ;  distance  from  eye  to  nostril  2.75  to  2.8  in  snout ;  internarial  space 
3.75  times  diameter  of  eye ;  mouth  broadly  arched,  nearly  twice  as  wide 
as  long,  its  width  at  angles  .9  in  preoral  length  of  snout ;  teeth  rather 
narrow,  the  upper  ones  broader  than  the  lower,  all  the  teeth  with 
broad  bases,  the  lower  teeth  erect,  serrate  only  at  base,  the  upper 
ones  serrate  nearly  to  tips  and  the  lateral  teeth  posteriorly  with  a 
slight  notch  followed  by  coarser  serrations,  each  jaw  with  about  26 
teeth  in  outer  row;  gill-slits  rather  long,  the  longest  about  1.25  in 
internarial,  .65  in  distance  between  eye  and  outer  angle  of  nostril; 
denticles  on  skin  below  base  of  first  dorsal  three  or  five-keeled;  first 
dorsal  moderate,  its  height  greater  than  its  base,  its  origin  a  little  in 
advance  of  tips  of  lower  lobe  of  pectorals,  its  outer  margin  rather 
deeply  concave,  the  base  1.85  in  distance  between  the  dorsal  fins; 
second  dorsal  moderate,  its  origin  over  that  of  the  anal,  a  little  more 
than  half  as  far  from  anterior  margin  of  caudal  pit  as  from  base  of 
first  dorsal,  outer  margin  of  fin  slightly  concave,  the  posterior  lobe 
acuminate,  reaching  half  way  to  caudal  pit,  base  of  fin  4.4  to  4.8  in 
distance  between  dorsals ;  upper  lobe  of  caudal  long,  quite  narrow,  3.5 
in  total  length:  lower  lobe  broader  and  less  sharply  pointed,  1.2  in 
upper  lobe :  anal  fin  about  equal  in  length  to  second  dorsal,  its  outer 
margin  deeply  concave,  posterior  lobe  pointed,  reaching  y$  the  distance 
to  caudal  pit,  its  base  1.15  to  1.2  in  distance  from  base  of  anal  to  base 


FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY. 


ZOOLOGY,   VOL.   XV,    PL.    I. 


FIG.  1.    CARCHARHINUS  NATATOR  sp.  nov. 

a.     Ventral  surface  of  head. 
Drawn  from  type  U.  S.  X.  M.  No.  79310. 


FIG.  2.    CARCHARHINUS  CERDALE  Gilbert. 

a.     Ventral  surface  of  head. 
Drawn  from  U.  S.  X.  M.  Xo.  79312. 


THE 


OF  TO 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     41 

of  lower  lobe  of  caudal;  ventral  fins  rather  small,  inserted  about 
equidistant  from  origin  of  anal  and  vertical  from  the  beginning  of 
second  third  of  base  of  first  dorsal ;  pectoral  fins  long,  falcate,  reaching 
opposite  the  end  of  the  base  of  the  first  dorsal,  about  an  eye's  diameter 
shorter  than  'head  to  first  gill-slit,  the  inner  lobe,  3.6  to  3.75  in  the 
length  of  the  outer  lobe. 

Color  dark  grayish  above;  pale  below.  Lower  half  of  sides  with 
2  rather  broad,  ill-defined  longitudinal  dark  stripes,  the  upper  one 
extending  on  caudal  peduncle,  the  lower  one  ending  over  base  of 
anal.  Lower  surface  of  head  and  snout  more  or  less  dusky.  The 
fins  all  with  black  tips,  most  conspicuous  on  pectorals  and  lower  lobe 
of  caudal. 

Only  2  specimens,  both  females,  825  and  850  mm.  in  length,  were 
secured.  This  species  is  probably  rather  close  to  C.  menisorrah 
(Miiller  &  Henle),  known  from  the  Red  Sea  and  the  Malay  Archi- 
pelago. The  shape  of  the  snout  and  the  position  of  the  second  dorsal 
and  anal  appear  to  be  identical,  but  the  mouth  in  the  present  species 
is  broader,  the  first  dorsal  is  inserted  farther  backward,  the  outer 
lobes  of  the  pectorals  as  compared  with  the  inner  lobes  are  much 
longer,  the  lower  teeth  are  serrate  at  base  instead  of  being  entirely 
smooth,  and  the  color  is  different.  The  species  may  be  distinguished 
from  all  other  American  sharks  of  this  genus  by  the  short  and  abruptly 
pointed  snout  and  broad  mouth. 

Our  specimens  were  purchased  in  the  Panama  City  fish  market. 

9.  Carcharhinus  limbatus  (Miiller  &  Henle). 

Carcharias  limbatus  Miiller  &  Henle,  Plagiostomen,  1841,  49,  PI.  XIX, 

fig.  9  (Martinique). 

Carcharias  microps  Lowe,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,   1840,  38. 
Prionodon  cucuri  Castelnau,  Anim.  Nov.  Rares  Amer.  Sud,  1855,  99 

(Bahia). 

Isogomphodon  maculipinnis  Poey,  Repertorio,  I,  1867,  191  (Cuba). 
Carcharias  miilleri  Steindachner,    (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.   Wien,  LXI) 

Ichth.  Notizen,  VI,  1867,  50  (West  Indies). 
Carcharias  ehrenbergi  Klunzinger,  Syn.  Fische,  II,  1871,  221. 
Carcharias  athalorus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U  .S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882, 

104  (Mazatlan)  ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904, 

9  (Panama  Bay). 
Carcharhinus  limbatus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  40. 


42    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Carcharinus  limbatus  Carman,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI, 

1913,  127. 

Body  compressed ;  head  depressed ;  snout  long,  rather  acute,  preoral 
length  1.2  to  1.3  in  base  of  first  dorsal,  its  width  at  nostrils  1.15  to  1.2 
in  preoral  length;  eye  small,  its  diameter  only  slightly  longer  than 
nostril ;  interorbital  area  convex,  .85  to  .95  in  snout ;  nostrils  obliquely 
placed,  the  outer  angles  being  in  advance  of  the  inner  ones,  the  inner 
angles  about  ^  as  far  from  mouth  as  from  tip  of  snout;  narial  valve 
with  a  very  small,  acute  lobe;  distance  from  eye  to  nostril  2.8  to  3 
in  snout;  internarial  space  a  little  less  than  3  times  as  long  as  eye; 
mouth  rather  broadly  arched,  its  width  .95  to  i.i  in  preoral  part  of 
snout;  teeth  narrow,  all  finely  serrate,  the  upper  ones  somewhat 
broader  than  the  lower  ones,  with  broad  bases,  a  very  slight  notch  at 
base  on  posterior  margin  of  upper  teeth,  followed  by  serrations 
considerably  coarser  than  those  on  the  cusp,  the  lower  teeth  erect,  the 
lateral  teeth  in  upper  jaw  moderately  oblique,  each  jaw  with  29  teeth 
in  outer  row;  gill-slits  moderate,  the  longest  somewhat  shorter  than 
the  internarial,  .65  to  .75  in  distance  between  eye  and  outer  angle  of 
nostril ;  denticals  on  skin  below  base  of  first  dorsal  three  to  five-keeled ; 
first  dorsal  moderate,  its  height  longer  than  base,  its  origin  over  or  a 
little  in  advance  of  tips  of  lower  lobe  of  pectorals,  its  outer  margin 
concave,  the  base  1.8  to  2.1  in  distance  between  the  dorsal  fins;  second 
dorsal  moderate,  its  origin  over  that  of  the  anal,  about  half  as  far 
from  anterior  margin  of  caudal  pit  as  from  base  of  first  dorsal,  outer 
margin  of  fin  scarcely  concave,  the  posterior  lobe  moderately  produced, 
reaching  a  little  more  than  half  way  to  caudal  pit,  base  of  fin  4  to  5 
in  distance  between  dorsals;  upper  lobe  of  caudal  long,  3.5  to  3.6  in 
total  length,  lower  lobe  rather  acuminate,  2.1  to  2.35  in  the  upper;  anal 
fin  equal  in  length  to  second  dorsal,  with  deeply  concave  margin,  the 
posterior  lobe  pointed,  reaching  about  %  the  distance  to  caudal  pit, 
its  base  1.25  to  1.45  in  distance  from  base  of  anal  to  base  of  lower 
lobe  of  caudal;  ventral  fins  moderate,  the  claspers  shorter  than  the 
fins  in  a  specimen  925  mm.  in  length  and  not  much  better  developed 
than  in  an  embryo  335  mm.  long,  the  fins  inserted  equidistant  from 
origin  of  anal  and  vertical  from  the  beginning  of  the  second  third 
of  base  of  first  dorsal ;  pectoral  fins  large,  falcate,  reaching  nearly  or 
quite  opposite  the  end  of  base  of  first  dorsal,  at  least  an  eye's  diameter 
longer  than  distance  from  posterior  angle  of  mouth  to  tip  of  snout, 
proportionately  longer  in  the  adult  than  in  young,  the  inner  lobe  3.25 
to  3-75  m  length  of  the  outer. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     43 

Color  grayish  above ;  pale  yellow.  The  fins  all  with  dark  or  black 
tips,  the  black  more  pronounced  in  the  adult  than  in  the  young. 

Three  specimens,  respectively  335,  490  and  925  mm.  in  length,  were 
preserved.  They  are  all  from  the  Pacific  and  they  agree  well  with 
C.  athalorus  of  which  we  have  had  the  type  for  comparison.  We 
have  not  seen  any  specimens  of  C.  limbatus  from  the  Atlantic  but 
we  follow  Garman  in  considering  C.  athalorus  and  C.  limbatus 
identical.  The  species  is  occasionally  seen  in  the  Panama  City  fish 
market  and  it  is  of  small  commercial  value.  It  probably  reaches  a 
much  larger  size  than  C.  cerdale,  for  the  embryo  at  hand,  which  is 
well  developed  but  on  which  the  umbilical  attachment  is  still  plainly 
visible,  is  about  25  mm.  longer  than  embryos  of  similar  development 
of  C.  cerdale,  and  a  male  of  925  mm.  long  has  the  claspers  poorly 
developed,  being  shorter  than  the  ventral  fins,  while  a  specimen  of 
C.  cerdale  825  mm.  in  length  has  the  claspers  well  developed,  being 
nearly  twice  the  length  of  the  fins. 

Recorded  on  the  Atlantic  from  Massachusetts  to  Brazil,  on  the 
Pacific  from  Mazatlan  to  Panama  and  as  understood  by  Garman  it 
also  occurs  in  the  Red  Sea.  Two  of  our  specimens  were  purchased 
in  the  Panama  City  market  and  an  embryo  was  sent  from  Chame 
Point  by  Robert  Tweedlie. 

10.  Carcharhinus  commersonii  Blainville. 

Carcharhinus   commersonii   Blainville,   Bull.   Sci.   Philom.,    1816,    121 

(Sicily). 
Carcharias  lamia  Risso,  Hist.  Nat.  Princ.  Prod.  1'Europe,  III,  1826,  119 

(Nice). 
Carcharias   leucas   Muller  &   Henle,    Plagiostomen,    1841,  42    (West 

Indies) . 
Squalus  longimanus  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1861,  338,  PI.  XIX,  figs.  9 

&  10,  teeth  (Cuba). 

Prionodon  lamia  Bocage  &  Capello,  Plagiostomen,  1866,  18. 
Eulamia  longimana  Poey,  Repertorio,  HI,  1868,  448. 
Eulamia  lamia  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1881,  32. 
Carcharias  lamiella  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882,  no 

(San  Diego,  Cal.). 

Eulamia  lamiella  Jordan  &  Bollman,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1889,  179. 
Eulamia  platyrhynchus  Gilbert,   Proc.   U.   S.   Nat.   Mus.,    1891,   543 

(Magdalena  Bay). 
Carcharhinus  platyrhynchus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  36. 


44    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Carcharhinus  lamiella  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  37. 
Carcharhinus   lamia   Jordan   &  Evermann,   Bull.   U.   S.   Nat.    Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  38,  PI.  V,  fig.  17. 
Carcharias  insularum  Snyder,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XXII,  1902 

(1904),  513,  PI.  I,  fig.  i  (Hawaiian  Islands). 
Carcharias  nesiotes   Snyder,   Bull.   U.    S.   Fish   Comm.,   XXII,    1902 

(1904),  514,  PI.  I,  fig.  2  (Hawaiian  Islands). 
Carcharinus    commersonii    Carman,    Memoir.    Mus.    Comp.    Zool., 

XXXVI,  1913,  140. 

Snout  short,  broadly  rounded,  preoral  length  1.5  in  base  of  first 
dorsal,  its  width  at  nostrils  I  in  preoral  length ;  eye  small,  its  diameter 
slightly  longer  than  nostril;  interorbital  broad,  .78  in  snout;  nostrils 
obliquely  placed,  the  outer  angles  being  in  advance  of  the  inner  ones, 
the  inner  angles  about  £4  as  far  from  mouth  as  from  tip  of  snout, 
narial  valve  with  a  very  short,  scarcely  acute  lobe ;  distance  from  eye 
to  nostril  2.45  in  snout;  internarial  space  4.5  times  diameter  of  eye; 
mouth  very  broadly  arched,  about  1.5  times  as  broad  as  long,  its  width 
at  angles  ./  in  preoral  length  of  snout;  teeth  in  upper  jaw  triangular, 
with  broad  bases,  distinctly  serrate,  the  serrations  on  base  much  larger 
than  those  on  the  cusp,  the  lateral  teeth  not  notched  posteriorly,  and 
not  very  strongly  oblique;  lower  teeth  somewhat  narrower,  more 
erect  and  less  strongly  serrate,  2  greatly  reduced  teeth  in  outer  row 
at  symphysis;  each  jaw  with  30  or  31  teeth  in  outer  row;  gill-slits 
moderate,  the  longest  1.5  in  internarial;  denticles  on  skin  below  base 
of  first  dorsal  five-keeled,  scalloped  and  rather  closely  imbricate ;  first 
dorsal  moderate,  its  height  greater  than  the  length  of  its  base,  its 
origin  over  tips  of  lower  lobe  of  pectorals,  its  outer  margin  concave, 
the  lower  lobe  acuminate,  the  base  2.25  in  distance  between  dorsal 
fins;  second  dorsal  moderate,  its  origin  over  that  of  the  anal,  outer 
margin  of  fin  definitely  concave,  the  posterior  lobe  notably  produced, 
reaching  about  Yz  the  distance  to  caudal  pit,  base  of  fin  5.4  in  distance 
between  dorsals ;  upper  lobe  of  caudal  very  long,  pointed,  3.75  in  total 
length;  lower  lobe  prominent,  also  pointed,  2.05  in  the  upper;  anal 
about  equal  in  length  to  second  dorsal,  its  base  1.7  in  distance  to 
base  of  lower  lobe  of  caudal,  anteriorly  notably  higher  than  the  second 
dorsal,  its  outer  margin  deeply  concave ;  ventral  fins  small,  the  claspers 
more  than  twice  the  length  of  the  part  of  fins  adjacent;  pectoral  fins 
long,  falcate,  reaching  a  little  beyond  base  of  first  dorsal,  about  equal 
to  head  to  first  gill-slit,  its  width  1.8  in  its  length,  the  length  of  the 
inner  lobe  about  4  in  length  of  the  outer  lobe. 


DEC.  20,  1923.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     45 

Color  dark  grayish  above ;  lower  parts  pale  and  irregularly  blotched 
with  dusky.  The  median  part  of  tail  behind  second  dorsal  nearly 
black.  The  tips  of  the  pectorals,  second  dorsal,  lower  lobe  of  the 
caudal  and  ventrals  with  distinct  black  tips. 

We  have  2  specimens,  skins,  1450  and  1500  mm.  in  length,  which 
we  refer  to  this  species.  The  measurements  given  in  the  above 
description  are  only  approximate  as  they  are  based  upon  the  skins. 
The  teeth  and  dermal  denticles  agree  quite  well  with  descriptions  at 
hand,  but  the  pectoral  fins  appear  to  be  proportionately  longer  and 
the  color  agrees  with  C.  limbatus  instead  of  C.  commersonii.  Carman, 
whom  we  follow  in  giving  the  synonymy  of  the  species,  evidently 
allows  for  much  variation  in  color  and  structure,  hence  the  present 
specimens  are  probably  within  those  variations,  although  they  are 
not  mentioned  in  his  description. 

Known,  as  understood  by  Carman,  from  the  Mediterranean  Sea 
and  the  Middle  Atlantic  and  the  Pacific.  Our  specimens  were  taken 
with  hook  and  line  at  Colon. 

11.  Carcharhinus  velox  Gilbert. 

Carcharhinus  velox  Gilbert,  in  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  2747  (Panama  Bay). 
Carcharias  velox  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  9, 

PL  I,  fig.  3  (Panama  Bay). 
Carcharinus  velox  Carman,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI,  1913, 

130. 

Body  slender;  head  narrow;  snout  long,  rather  pointed,  preoral 
portion  .85  to  .9  in  base  of  first  dorsal,  its  width  at  nostrils  1.6  to  1.8  in 
preoral  length;  eye  small,  its  diameter  slightly  greater  than  width 
of  nostril ;  interorbital  area  convex,  1 .4  in  snout ;  nostrils  transversely 
placed,  rather  close  together,  inner  angles  closer  to  mouth  than  to 
tip  of  snout  by  a  distance  nearly  equal  to  half  the  nostril,  narial 
valve  with  a  broad  lobe,  never  pointed;  distance  from  nostril  to  eye 
2.2  in  snout;  internarial  space  equal  to  diameter  of  eye;  mouth  much 
arched,  its  width  1.45  to  1.65  in  preoral  part  of  snout;  teeth  very 
narrow,  especially  those  in  lower  jaw,  broad  at  base,  serrations  on 
sides  fine,  noticeable  only  under  a  lens,  the  lateral  teeth  in  upper  jaw 
with  a  notch  at  base  posteriorly;  gill-slits  rather  narrow,  the  longest 
slightly  longer  than  internarial  space,  1.55  to  1.8  in  space  betweeen 
eye  and  outer  angle  of  nostril;  first  dorsal  rather  large,  its  height 
exceeding  the  length  of  base,  its  origin  about  an  eye's  diameter  behind 
vertical  from  axil  to  pectorals,  its  outer  margin  rather  deeply  concave, 


46    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

base  2.05  to  2.26  in  distance  between  the  dorsal  fins;  second  dorsal 
small,  opposite  anal  and  2  times  as  far  from  the  base  of  the  first 
dorsal  as  from  caudal  pit,  its  outer  margin  nearly  straight,  its  base 
4-7  to  5-7  m  distance  between  dorsals;  upper  lobe  of  caudal  much 
produced,  3.1  in  total  length  measured  from  caudal  pit,  the  lower  lobe 
exerted,  2.6  in  upper  lobe;  anal  fin  a  little  larger  than  second  dorsal, 
its  outer  margin  deeply  concave,  its  base  1 .4  to  i  .6  in  distance  between 
base  of  anal  and  base  of  lower  caudal  lobe;  ventral  fins  moderate, 
the  claspers  shorter  than  fins  (specimen  500  mm.),  inserted  a  little 
nearer  origin  of  anal  than  vertical  from  origin  of  dorsal;  pectoral 
fins  broadly  falcate,  their  posterior  margin  concave,  both  angles  rounded, 
tips  reaching  slightly  past  base  of  first  dorsal,  the  longest  part  of  fin 
equal  to  snout  in  advance  of  posterior  angle  of  mouth. 

Color  bluish  above ;  grayish  white  below. 

The  above  description  is  based  on  2  specimens,  a  male  and  female 
respectively  560  and  570  mm.  in  length,  purchased  in  the  Panama 
City  market.  This  species  heretofore  was  known  only  from  the  type, 
a  female,  1200  mm.  long. 

Known  only  from  Panama  Bay. 

12.  Carcharhinus  obscums  (Le  Sueur). 

Squalus  obscurus  Le  Sueur,  Journ.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  I,  1818,  223, 

PI.  IX  (New  York). 

Carcharias  falcipinnis  Lowe,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.London,i839,  9o(Madeira). 
Carcharias  obscurus  Miiller  &  Henle,  Plagiostomen,  1841,  46. 
Prionodon  obvelatus  Valenciennes,  in  Webb  &  Berthelot,  Hist.  Nat. 

lies  Canaries,  II,  Pt.  II,  1843,  103,  PI.  XXVI   (Canary  Islands). 
Platypodon  obscurus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1864,  262. 
Carcharhinus  obscurus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  35. 
Carcharinus  obscurus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI, 

1883,  22;  Garman,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI,  1913,  130. 

This  shark  was  not  seen  by  us  and  it  is  not  recorded  from  the 
Isthmus  but  its  range  of  distribution  brings  it  within  the  scope  of  the 
present  work.  It  is  characterized  as  having  a  broadly  rounded  snout ; 
mouth  large,  its  width  greater  than  preoral  length,  its  length  1.65  in  its 
width;  teeth  serrate,  the  upper  ones  broad,  oblique,  with  a  notch  on 
posterior  edge,  the  lower  teeth  narrower,  with  broad  bases;  origin  of 
first  dorsal  a  little  in  advance  of  inner  angle  of  pectorals,  the  base 
equal  to  width  of  mouth,  more  than  Yz  the  distance  between  dorsal 
fins;  second  dorsal  smaller  than  the  anal,  about  y$  as  long  as  first 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     47 

dorsal,  its  origin  over  middle  of  base  of  anal;  upper  caudal  lobe 
more  than  54  the  total  length,  angle  pointed;  lower  lobe  prominent; 
anal  fin  with  deeply  concave  outer  margin;  pectoral  fins  long,  falcate, 
pointed,  nearly  twice  as  long  as  broad,  reaching  end  of  base  of  first 
dorsal.  Color  grayish  brown  above ;  whitish  below. 
Known  from  the  Northern  and  Middle  Atlantic. 

13.  Carcharhinus  remotus  (Valenciennes). 

Carcharias  remotus  Valenciennes,  in  Dumeril,  Hist.   Nat.   Poiss.,   I, 

J865,  374  (Martinique). 

Platypodon  perezii  Poey,  Enumeratio,  1875,  J95  (Cuba). 
Carcharhinus  perezi  Jordan   &   Evermann,   Bull.   U.    S.    Nat.    Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  36. 
Carcharhinus  remotus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  37. 
Carcharinus  remotus  Carman,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI, 

1913,  138. 

This  shark  was  not  seen  by  us  and  it  is  not  recorded  from  the 
Isthmus  but  its  range  of  distribution  brings  it  within  the  scope  of 
the  present  work.  It  is  characterized  as  having  a  depressed  head, 
an  abruptly  narrowed  snout  in  advance  of  nostrils  but  broadly  rounded 
in  front,  about  1.5  times  length  of  mouth;  mouth  large,  its  width  equal 
to  length  of  snout;  teeth  narrow,  erect,  with  broad  bases  and  serrate 
edges;  gill-slits  less  than  twice  diameter  of  eye;  first  dorsal  about  as 
high  as  long,  the  origin  over  axil  of  pectorals,  equidistant  from  tip 
of  snout  and  origin  of  second  dorsal,  its  base  2.5  in  distance  between 
dorsal  fins ;  second  dorsal  smaller  than  the  anal,  its  origin  over  middle 
of  base  of  anal,  the  base  of  fin  about  6  in  distance  between  dorsal 
fins ;  upper  lobe  of  caudal  long,  about  3.5  in  total  length ;  anal  fin 
with  deeply  concave  outer  margin,  its  base  about  5  in  distance  between 
dorsal  fins ;  pectoral  fins  falcate,  the  outer  lobe  produced,  reaching 
past  end  of  base  of  first  dorsal,  the  inner  lobe  short,  rounded.  Color 
brownish  above;  whitish  below.  Fins  with  dark  edgings,  except  the 
posterior  margin  of  pectorals  which  are  white. 

Known  from  the  West  Indies  to  Brazil. 

14.  Carcharhinus  cerdale  Gilbert.     (Plate  I,  fig.  2.) 
Carcharhinus  cerdale  Gilbert,  in  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  2746  (Panama  Bay). 

Carcharias  cerdale  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904, 
10,  PI.  II,  fig.  4  (Panama  Bay). 


48   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Carcharinus  menisorrah  Carman,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI, 

I9I3»  J35  (In  Part;  not  of  Miiller  &  Henle). 

Body  moderate;  head  rather  narrow,  depressed;  snout  rather  long, 
moderately  rounded,  preoral  portion  1.05  to  1.6  in  base  of  first  dorsal, 
its  width  at  nostrils  .96  to  1.13  in  preoral  length;  eye  small,  its 
diameter  slightly  greater  than  width  of  nostril ;  interorbital  area  convex, 
.89  to  1.05  in  snout;  nostrils  obliquely  placed,  the  outer  angles  being 
in  advance  of  the  inner  ones,  the  inner  angles  about  %  as  far  from 
mouth  as  from  tip  of  snout,  narial  valve  with  a  sharply  pointed  lobe; 
distance  from  eye  to  nostril  2.82  to  3.4  in  snout;  internarial  space 
nearly  3  times  as  long  as  eye;  mouth  arched,  its  width  .9  to  1.44  in 
preoral  part  of  snout  (The  head  and  mouth  become  proportionately 
broader  with  age  and  the  snout  becomes  shorter  which  accounts  for 
the  great  variation  shown  in  some  of  the  measurements  about  the 
head) ;  teeth  serrate,  those  in  upper  jaw  broader  and  more  oblique 
than  the  lower  ones,  and  with  broader  bases,  a  rather  prominent  notch 
behind  the  large  triangular  cusp  of  the  lateral  teeth  in  upper  jaw 
followed  by  I  or  2  small  denticles,  each  jaw  with  26  teeth  in  outer  row ; 
gill-slits  rather  narrow,  always  notably  shorter  than  internarial,  .88 
to  1.2  in  distance  between  eye  and  outer  angle  of  nostril;  denticles  on 
skin  below  base  of  first  dorsal  three-keeled;  first  dorsal  moderate, 
its  height  somewhat  greater  than  the  length  of  its  base,  its  origin 
over  or  a  little  in  advance  of  the  tip  of  lower  angle  of  pectorals,  its 
outer  margin  concave,  the  base  2  to  2.6  in  distance  between  the  dorsal 
fins ;  second  dorasl  small,  its  origin  over  or  a  little  behind  vertical  from 
middle  of  base  of  anal,  not  quite  half  as  far  from  caudal  pit  as  from 
base  of  first  dorsal,  its  outer  margin  scarcely  concave,  the  posterior 
lobe  produced,  reaching  nearly  or  quite  half  the  distance  to  caudal  pit, 
its  base  5.8  to  9.7  in  distance  between  dorsals ;  upper  lobe  of  caudal  very 
long,  3.9  to  4.4  in  total  length ;  the  lower  lobe  broad,  2.1  to  2.4  in  the 
length  of  the  upper;  anal  fin  somewhat  larger  than  the  second  dorsal, 
its  outer  margin  rather  deeply  concave,  the  posterior  lobe  acuminate, 
reaching  fully  half  way  to  caudal  pit,  its  base  1.55  to  1.95  in  distance 
between  base  of  anal  and  base  of  lower  lobe  of  caudal;  ventral  fins 
moderate,  the  claspers  in  male  shorter  than  the  fins  in  specimens  500 
mm.  in  length,  about  2  times  the  length  of  fins  in  specimens  825  mm. 
long,  the  fins  inserted  a  little  nearer  origin  of  anal  than  vertical  from 
origin  of  dorsal;  pectoral  fins  rather  large,  falcate,  usually  reaching 
past  middle  but  not  beyond  entire  base  of  first  dorsal,  the  outer  lobe 
about  as  long  as  distance  from  posterior  angle  of  mouth  to  tip  of 
snout  in  young,  proportionately  much  longer  in  adult. 


DEC.  20,  1923.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     49 

Color  bluish  gray  above;  pale  below. 

We  have  at  hand  19  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  310  to  825 
mm.,  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama  which  undoubtedly  are  identical 
with  C.  cerdale  of  Gilbert,  as  we  have  had  for  comparison  specimens 
from  Panama  Bay  identified  by  Gilbert,  probably  paratypes.  This 
species  was  referred  to  C.  menisorrah  by  Garman,  but  our  specimens 
do  not  agree  in  several  particulars  with  Carman's  description  of 
C.  menisorrah  and  especially  not  in  the  size  and  position  of  the  second 
dorsal  fin  with  respect  to  that  of  the  anal.  These  fins  are  never  of 
the  same  size  in  C.  cerdale  and  the  origin  of  the  second  dorsal  is  not 
over  that  of  the  anal  but  always  notably  behind  it.  We,  therefore, 
regard  C.  cerdale  as  separate  and  distinct.  We  also  have  at  hand  13 
specimens,  ranging  from  385  to  550  mm.  in  length,  from  the  Atlantic 
coast  which  we  are  unable  to  identify  with  any  known  species  from  the 
Atlantic.  Careful  comparison  of  specimens,  as  well  as  a  large  series 
of  measurements  based  on  every  specimen  at  hand,  have  revealed 
no  differences  between  the  representatives  from  the  opposite  coasts. 
We,  therefore,  also  refer  these  Atlantic  spcimens  to  C.  cerdale.  We 
have  several  specimens  from  Chame  Point  sent  by  Mr.  Robert 
Tweedlie  which  are  embryos  taken  from  the  mother  but  which  are 
well  developed,  with  umbilical  cord  attached,  being  from  310  to  330  mm. 
in  length.  No  information  relative  to  the  size  of  the  mother  shark 
was  supplied,  but  the  species  probably  does  not  reach  a  large  size, 
as  a  male,  825  mm.  in  length,  has  the  claspers  so  well  developed  that 
it  undoubtedly  is  sexually  mature.  This  shark  appears  to  be  abundant 
on  both  coasts  of  Panama  and  it  occurs  in  the  fish  markets  almost 
daily,  being  utilized  as  food  by  the  natives. 

Recorded  only  from  Panama  Bay  and  Guayaquil,  Ecuador.  Our 
specimens  from  the  Pacific  are  from  Chame  Point  and  the  Panama 
City  fish  market,  and  those  from  the  Atlantic  are  from  the  Colon 
fish  market. 

15.  Carcharhinus  porosus  (Ranzani). 

Carcharias  porosus  Ranzani,  Novi.  Comment.  Ac.  Sci.  Inst.  Bonon.,  IV, 

1840,  70  (Brazil). 
Carcharias  henlei  Valenciennes,  in  Miiller  &  Henle,  Plagiostomen,  1841, 

46,  PI.  XIX,  fig.  6,  teeth  (Guiana). 
Carcharhinus  henlei  Jordan  &  Evermann,   Bull.  U.   S.   Nat.   Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  37. 
Carcharinus  porosus  Garman,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI, 


50    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

This  species  was  not  seen  by  us  and  is  not  recorded  from  the 
Isthmus,  but  its  distribution  brings  it  within  the  scope  of  the  present 
work.  It  is  characterized  as  having  a  broadly  rounded  snout;  the 
nostrils  as  far  from  eye  as  from  tip  of  snout,  narial  valve  with  an  acute 
lobe;  mouth  moderate,  nearly  half  as  long  as  snout  and  more  than 
half  as  broad;  teeth  serrate,  the  upper  broadly  triangular,  the  lateral 
ones  posteriorly  with  a  sharp  notch  at  base  of  cusp,  the  lower  teeth 
narrower,  each  jaw  with  29  teeth  in  the  outer  row;  origin  of  dorsal 
little  in  advance  of  the  lower  angle  of  pectoral,  outer  margin  concave ; 
second  dorsal  much  smaller  than  the  anal,  its  origin  over  the  posterior 
fourth  of  base  of  anal;  upper  lobe  of  caudal  about  4  in  total  length, 
with  blunt  angle ;  anal  fin  with  deeply  concave  margin ;  ventrals  small, 
inserted  nearer  the  first  than  second  dorsal;  pectoral  fins  broad,  not 
reaching  end  of  base  of  first  dorsal,  the  lower  margin  %  of  the  upper. 
Color  brownish  above;  white  below;  edges  of  caudal  dark;  the  lower 
fins  with  pale  margins. 

Known  from  the  West  Indies  to  Brazil. 

5.  Genus  Hypoprion  Miiller  &  Henle. 

Hypoprion  Miiller  &  Henle,  Plagiostomen,  1838,  34  (type  Carcharias 

malcoti  Miiller  &  Henle). 
Hypoprionodon  Gill,  Ann.  Lye.  Nat.  Hist.  N.  Y.,  VII,  1861,  400  (type 

Carcharias  hemiodon  Valenciennes). 

This  genus  differs  from  Carcharhinus  only  in  the  smoother  teeth, 
the  lower  ones  being  entirely  smooth  and  the  upper  ones  serrate  at 
base  only. 

16.  Hypoprion  brevirostris  Poey. 

Hypoprion  brevirostris  Poey,  Repertorio,  II,  1868,  451,  PI.  IV,  figs. 

5,  6  and  20  (Cuba)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  41,  PI.  V,  fig.  18;  Carman,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp. 

Zool.,  XXXVI,  1913,  120. 

Snout  short,  broadly  rounded,  preoral  length  1.95  to  2.1  in  base 
of  first  dorsal,  its  width  at  nostrils  .65  in  preoral  length;  interorbital 
broad,  .7  in  snout;  nostrils  obliquely  placed,  the  inner  angles  nearer 
mouth  than  tip  of  snout,  the  valve  with  a  large,  acute  lobe;  nostrils 
remote  from  each  other,  internarial  space  about  3.5  times  diameter  of 
eye;  mouth  broad,  its  width  at  angles  about  .65  in  preoral  length  of 
snout;  teeth  rather  narrow,  with  broad  bases,  only  the  base  of  the 
upper  ones  serrate,  the  lower  teeth  erect,  the  lateral  teeth  in  upper 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     51 

jaw  oblique,  each  jaw  with  28  to  30  teeth  in  the  outer  row,  the  median 
teeth  at  symphysis  greatly  reduced;  denticles  on  skin  below  first  dorsal 
irregular  in  size,  the  small  ones  three-keeled,  the  large  ones  five- 
keeled,  more  closely  imbricate  in  the  adult  than  in  the  young,  posterior 
margin  of  the  denticles  deeply  scalloped;  first  dorsal  rather  small, 
outer  margin  concave,  the  lower  angle  prominent,  inserted  somewhat 
nearer  tip  of  snout  than  caudal  pit,  base  1.8  to  2.05  in  distance  between 
dorsal  fins;  second  dorsal  large,  not  very  much  smaller  than  the  first 
dorsal,  its  outer  margin  convex,  the  posterior  lobe  acute,  reaching 
about  half-way  to  caudal  pit,  base  of  fin  2.1  to  2.3  in  distance  between 
the  dorsal  fins  ;  upper  lobe  of  caudal  moderate,  point  rounded,  4  to  4.26 
in  total  length;  lower  lobe  acute  1.95  to  2.1  in  the  upper;  anal  fin 
smaller  than  second  dorsal,  outer  margin  deeply  concave,  posterior 
angle  acute,  reaching  scarcely  half-way  to  caudal  pit,  origin  of  fin 
under  or  slightly  in  advance  of  second  dorsal,  base  about  equal  to  its 
distance  from  base  of  lower  lobe  of  caudal;  ventral  fins  moderate, 
inserted  somewhat  nearer  origin  of  anal  than  vertical  from  end  of 
base  of  first  dorsal ;  pectoral  fins  not  very  long  but  broad,  the  width 
about  24  °f  outer  margin,  posterior  margin  broadly  concave,  the  fin 
reaching  a  little  beyond  front  of  first  dorsal. 

Color  grayish  dusky  above;  lower  parts  pale  yellowish,  dusted 
with  gray.  The  fins  somewhat  darkened  at  tips. 

This  species  is  represented  by  2  skins,  about  1075  and  1300  mm. 
in  length.  The  measurements  given  in  the  above  description  are  based 
on  these  skins  and  therefore  they  are  only  approximate.  The  species 
is  probably  not  uncommon  on  the  Atlantic  coast  of  Panama. 

Recorded  from  the  West  Indies  north  to  North  Carolina,  and  from 
Para,  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are  from  Toro  Point  and  Porto  Bello. 

6.  Genus  Scoliodon  Miiller  &  Henle. 

Scoliodon  Miiller  &  Henle,  Charlesw.  Mag.  Nat.  Hist,  II,  1837,  114 

(type  Carcharias  laticaudus  Miiller  &  Henle). 

This  genus  differs  from  Carcharhinus  in  the  presence  of  labial  folds, 
which  extend  some  distance  along  the  jaws  from  the  angles  of  the 
mouth,  and  the  teeth  are  never  serrate. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Head  and  snout  very  narrow,  sharply  pointed;  width  of  snout 
at  nostrils  1.3  to  1.4  in  preoral  length;  interorbital  1.2  to  1.25 
in  snout  in  specimens  about  530 mm.  in  length;  upper  labial 


52    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

fold  as  long  as  eye,  slightly  greater  than  Yz  the  length  of  jaw; 
inner  angle  of  nostril  about  ^2  as  far  from  the  mouth  as  from 
tip  of  snout;  upper  lobe  of  caudal  rather  short,  4.2  to  4.35  in 
total  length.  longurio,  p.  52. 

aa.  Head  and  snout  somewhat  broader;  snout  less  sharply  pointed, 
its  width  at  nostrils  i.i  to  1.15  in  preoral  length;  interorbital 
1.05  to  i.i  in  snout  in  specimens  about  530 mm.  in  length; 
labial  folds  shorter,  the  upper  one  about  y=,  the  length  of  eye, 
scarcely  Y$  the  length  of  jaw;  inner  angle  of  nostril  about  ^2 
as  far  from  mouth  as  from  tip  of  snout;  upper  lobe  of  caudal 
very  long,  3.85  to  4  in  total  length.  lalandii,  p.  53. 

aaa.  Head  and  snout  broad;  snout  broadly  rounded,  its  width  at 
nostrils  1.05  in  preoral  length;  interorbital  1.05  to  1.15  in  snout; 
labial  folds  very  short,  the  upper  one  about  2/z  the  length  of 
eye,  notably  less  than  Y$  the  length  of  jaw;  inner  angle  of 
nostril  about  2/z  as  far  from  mouth  as  from  tip  of  snout ;  upper 
lobe  of  caudal  very  long,  3.85  in  total  length. 

terrce-novce,  p.  55. 

17.  Scoliodon  longurio  (Jordan  &  Gilbert).    (Plate  II,  fig.  i.) 
Carcharias  longurio  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882, 

1 06  (Mazatlan). 
Scoliodon  longurio  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  42;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  12 

(Panama  Bay). 

Body  slender,  head  narrow;  snout  quite  long  and  pointed,  preoral 
portion  1.05  to  1.13  in  length  in  advance  of  eye,  its  width  at  nostrils 
1.15  to  1.4  in  preoral  length,  and  1.3  to  1.5  in  length  to  eye;  eye  rather 
small,  its  diameter  greater  than  width  of  nostril;  interorbital  area 
convex,  1.05  to  1.25  in  snout;  nostrils  obliquely  placed,  the  outer  angles 
being  considerably  in  advance  of  the  inner  ones,  the  inner  angles  about 
half  as  far  from  the  mouth  as  from  tip  of  snout,  narial  valve  with  a 
sharply  pointed  lobe;  distance  from  nostril  to  eye  3.2  to  3.3  in  snout; 
internarial  space  about  2.5  times  the  diameter  of  eye;  mouth  strongly 
arched,  apparently  proportionately  broader  in  the  adult  than  in  the 
young,  its  width  at  angles  1.05  to  1.35  in  preoral  part  of  snout;  labial 
folds  prominent  on  both  lips,  the  upper  one  fully  Yz  the  length  of  jaw, 
as  long  as  eye,  3.2  to  4.3  in  preoral  part  of  snout,  and  2  to  2.3  in 
internarial  space,  the  one  on  lower  lip  shorter,  4.8  to  5.7  in  preoral  part 
of  snout ;  teeth  not  serrate,  with  broad  bases  and  rather  narrow  cusps, 
the  anterior  ones  quite  erect,  those  at  sides  directed  inward  and  back- 


FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY. 


ZOOLOGY,   VOL.   XV,    PL.   II. 


FIG.    1.     SCOLIODON  LONGURIO  (Jordan  &  Gilbert). 

a.     Ventral  surface  of  head. 
Drawn  from  U.  S.  X.  M.  Xo.  79291. 


FIG.  2.    SCOLIODON  LALANDII  (Miilier  &  Henle). 

a.     Ventral  surface  of  head. 
Drawn  from  U.  S.  X.  M.  No.  79290. 


FIG.  3.    SCOLIODON  TERR/E-NOV/E  Richardson. 

a.     Ventral  surface  of  head. 
Drawn  from  U.  S.  X.  M.  Xo.  79324. 


THt  IH» 

OF  Hit 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     53 

ward,  those  of  upper  jaw  broader  and  more  oblique  and  with  a  rather 
prominent  notch  behind  at  base  of  cusp;  gill-slits  rather  narrow,  the 
longest  one  about  2  times  in  internarial  space,  I  to  1.33  in  space  between 
eye  and  outer  angle  of  nostril ;  first  dorsal  rather  large,  its  outer  margin 
concave,  the  lower  lobe  long  and  pointed,  its  origin  about  2  times 
diameter  of  eye  behind  vertical  from  axil  of  pectoral,  base  2.5  to  2.65 
in  distance  between  dorsals ;  second  dorsal  very  small,  its  outer  margin 
concave,  the  posterior  lobe  much  produced,  pointed,  nearly  2  times  the 
base  of  fin,  origin  of  fin  a  little  behind  middle  of  base  of  anal,  base  8.4 
to  9.8  in  distance  between  dorsals ;  upper  lobe  of  caudal  rather  short, 
pointed,  4.2  to  4.35  in  total  length,  the  lower  lobe  rather  bluntly  pointed, 
2.25  to  2.6  in  upper  lobe;  anal  fin  with  concave  margin,  its  base  1.75 
to  2.15  in  distance  from  anal  to  base  of  lower  lobe  of  caudal;  ventral 
fins  rather  small,  inserted  about  equidistant  from  axil  of  pectoral  and 
posterior  margin  of  base  of  anal,  the  claspers  in  specimen  525  mm.  in 
length  shorter  than  the  fins,  in  a  specimen  700  mm.  long  the  claspers 
are  nearly  3  times  the  length  of  the  fins;  pectoral  fins  moderate, 
posterior  margin  concave,  reaching  somewhat  beyond  middle  of  base 
of  dorsal  in  our  large  specimen,  notably  shorter  in  young. 

Color  bluish  gray  above;  pale  below. 

Two  male  specimens  were  obtained,  respectively  525  and  700  mm. 
in  length.  We  have  had  for  comparison  2  type  specimens  from 
Mazatlan.  Our  large  male,  although  smaller  than  the  male  of  the 
"types",  has  the  claspers  much  more  prominently  developed  and  more 
strongly  ossified.  In  other  respects  our  specimens  agree  with  the 
types.  The  species  is  used  as  food  to  a  limited  extent  in  Panama. 

Known  from  Mazatlan  to  Panama.  Our  specimens  are  from  the 
Panama  City  fish  market. 

18.  Scoliodon  lalandii  (Miiller  &  Henle).  (Plate  II,  fig.  2.) 
Carcharias  lalandii  Miiller  &  Henle,  Plagiostomen,  1838,  30  (Brazil). 
Scoliodon  lalandii  Castelnau,  Anim.  Nouv.   Rares  Amer.   Sud.   1855, 
100  (Brazil)  ;  Carman,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI,  1913, 

113- 

Body  slender,  head  rather  narrow;  snout  moderately  long  and 
pointed,  preoral  portion  i.i  in  length  of  eye,  its  width  at  nostrils  T.I 
to  1.15  in  preoral  length,  and  1.25  to  1.3  in  length  to  eye;  eye  rather 
small,  its  diameter  greater  than  width  of  nostril ;  interorbital  area  con- 
vex, 1.05  to  i.i  in  snout;  nostrils  obliquely  placed,  the  outer  angles  being 
considerably  in  advance  of  the  inner  ones,  the  inner  angles  about  half 


54   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

as  far  from  the  mouth  as  from  tip  of  snout,  narial  valve  with  a  sharply 
pointed  lobe;  distance  from  nostril  to  eye  3  to  3.3  in  snout;  internarial 
space  slightly  greater  than  2  times  diameter  of  eye;  mouth  rather 
strongly  arched,  its  width  at  angles  1.15  to  1.4  in  preoral  part  of  snout; 
labial  folds  rather  prominent  on  both  lips,  the  upper  one  a  little  less 
than  l/3  the  length  of  jaw,  about  Y$  the  length  of  eye,  4.1  to  4.5  in 
preoral  part  of  snout  and  2.55  to  2.75  in  internarial  space,  the  lower 
fold  shorter,  4.8  to  5.8  in  preoral  part  of  snout ;  teeth  as  in  S.  longurio; 
gill-slits  rather  narrow,  the  longest  about  2  times  in  internarial,  1.05  to 
1.4  in  distance  from  eye  to  outer  angle  of  nostril ;  first  dorsal  rather  large, 
its  shape  and  position  as  in  5\  longurio,  its  base  2.5  to  2.6  in  distance 
between  dorsal  fins ;  second  dorsal  very  small,  its  outer  margin  scarcely 
concave,  posteriorly  much  produced,  pointed,  origin  of  fin  a  little  behind 
middle  of  base  of  anal,  base  9.4  to  13.1  in  distance  between  dorsal  fins; 
upper  lobe,  of  caudal  very  long,  pointed,  3.85  to  4  in  total  length,  the 
lower  lobe  rather  bluntly  pointed,  2.6  to  2.75  in  upper  lobe;  anal  fin 
with  concave  margin,  its  base  1.8  to  2.05  in  distance  from  anal  to  base 
of  caudal;  ventral  fins  rather  small,  inserted  equidistant  from  axil  of 
pectoral  and  posterior  margin  of  base  of  anal,  the  claspers  in  specimens 
510  to  530  mm.  in  length  at  least  twice  as  long  as  the  fins ;  pectoral  fins 
moderate,  the  posterior  margin  concave,  not  quite  reaching  opposite 
middle  of  base  of  first  dorsal. 

Color  bluish  gray  above ;  pale  below. 

This  fish  is  represented  in  the  present  collection  by  4  male 
specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  no  to  130  mm.  The  species  is 
extremely  closely  related  to  S.  longurio  from  which  it  is  separated  with 
difficulty.  5\  lalandii  has  a  broader  head,  wider  interorbital  and  a 
less  narrowly  pointed  snout.  The  head  and  snout,  however,  are 
proportionately  broader  in  adult  than  in  the  young,  and,  therefore, 
these  differences  are  evident  only  when  specimens  of  even  size  are 
compared.  The  labial  folds  are  constantly  shorter  and  the  upper  lobe 
of  the  caudal  is  longer  in  S.  lalandii.  The  last  named  differences  do 
not  appear  to  vary  with  age  and  may  be  determined  by  making 
proportional  measurements.  The  claspers  on  comparatively  small 
specimens  of  S.  lalandii  are  much  larger  and  better  developed  than 
they  are  on  specimens  of  the  same  size  of  S.  longurio,  which  indicates 
that  sexual  maturity  is  reached  much  earlier  in  5".  lalandii  than  in 
6".  longurio,  and  also  that  the  latter  probably  reaches  a  larger  size. 

Recorded  from  Brazil.  Our  specimens  were  purchased  in  the 
Colon  fish  market  where  this  shark  is  sold  to  the  natives  for  food. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     55 

19.  Scoliodon  terrae-novae  Richardson.    (Plate  II,  fig.  3.) 

Sqicalus  punctatus  Mitchill,  Trans.  Lit.  &  Phil.  Soc.  N.  Y.,  I,  1815,  483 

(New  York;  not  of  Bloch  &  Schneider). 
Squalus  terrce-novce  Richardson,   Fauna  Bor.  Amer.,   Ill,   1836,  289 

("Newfoundland",  where  the  species  does  not  occur). 
Carcharias  terranova  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  VIII,  1870,  360. 
Scoliodon  terra-novce  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1861,  59;  Jordan 

&  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  43;  Carman, 

Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI,  1913,  115. 

Body  moderately  robust,  head  rather  broad;  snout  rather  short, 
broadly  rounded,  preoral  portion  i  to  1.05  in  length  to  eye,  its  width  at 
nostrils  1.05  in  preoral  length  and  i.i  in  length  to  eye;  eye  rather 
small,  its  diameter  somewhat  greater  than  width  of  nostril ;  interorbital 
area  convex,  1.05  to  1.15  in  snout;  nostrils  obliquely  placed,  the  outer 
angles  being  notably  in  advance  of  the  inner  ones,  the  inner  angles 
about  two-thirds  as  far  from  the  mouth  as  from  tip  of  snout,  narial 
valve  with  a  sharply  pointed  lobe;  distance  from  nostril  to  eye  3.1  to 
3.2  in  snout;  internarial  space  2  times  diameter  of  eye;  mouth  rather 
strongly  arched,  its  width  at  angles  1.2  to  1.25  in  preoral  part  of  snout; 
labial  folds  short,  the  upper  one  notably  less  than  ]/$  the  length  of  the 
jaw,  about  ^  the  length  of  eye,  3.8  to  4.15  in  preoral  part  of  snout 
and  2.3  to  2.8  in  internarial,  the  lower  fold  shorter,  6.35  to  6.75  in 
preoral  part  of  snout;  teeth  as  in  S".  longurio;  gill-slits  rather  narrow, 
the  longest  about  2.5  in  internarial,  i.i  to  1.15  in  distance  from  eye 
to  outer  angle  of  nostril;  first  dorsal  as  in  5.  longurio,  its  base  2.4  in 
distance  between  dorsal  fins;  second  dorsal  moderate,  its  origin  over 
or  a  little  behind  middle  of  base  of  anal,  its  base  6.05  to  7.4  in  distance 
between  the  dorsal  fins ;  upper  lobe  of  caudal  very  long,  pointed,  3.85 
in  total  length,  the  lower  lobe  broad,  6.4  to  6.75  in  the  upper  lobe; 
anal  fin  with  concave  margin,  its  base  1.85  to  1.95  in  distance  from 
anal  to  base  of  caudal;  ventral  fins  small,  inserted  equidistant  from 
axil  of  pectoral  and  posterior  margin  of  base  of  anal,  the  claspers 
about  %  the  length  of  the  fins  in  specimens  360  mm.  in  length ;  pectoral 
fins  moderate,  the  posterior  margin  little  concave,  reaching  about 
opposite  middle  of  base  of  dorsal. 

Color  bluish  gray  above;  pale  below. 

Two  small  specimens,  360  and  365  mm.  in  length,  were  secured. 
We  have  compared  these  specimens  from  Jamaica,  and  North  and 
South  Carolina  with  which  they  agree  perfectly.  This  species  and 
S.  lalandii  have  been  considered  identical  by  some  recent  authors,  but 
the  two  species  are  less  closely  related  than  5".  lalandii  and  S.  longurio. 


56    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

The  body  is  more  robust,  the  head  and  snout  are  broader  and  less 
sharply  pointed  and  the  labial  folds  are  shorter  than  in  the  other 
species,  S.  lalandii  being  intermediate  in  these  characters.  The  upper 
lobe  of  the  caudal  is  notably  longer  than  in  S.  longurio,  agreeing  in 
this  respect  with  S.  lalandii.  The  structure  of  the  dermal  armature 
of  the  skin  appears  to  be  identical  in  all  3  species,  each  denticle  being 
three-keeled. 

Known  from  Labrador  to  Brazil.    Our  specimens  were  purchased 
in  the  Colon  fish  market. 


7.  Genus  Galeocerdo  Miiller  &  Henle. 

Galeocerdo  Miiller  &  Henle,  Plagiostomen,  1841,  59  (type  Galeocerdo 

trigrinus  Miiller  &  Henle). 

Body  robust,  elongate;  head  depressed;  snout  short,  broad;  mouth 
large  and  broad;  labial  folds  present  on  both  jaws;  teeth  similar  in 
both  jaws,  large,  oblique,  coarsely  serrate  on  both  margins ;  nictitating 
membrane  present;  spiracles  small,  behind  the  eyes,  first  dorsal  above 
the  space  between  pectorals  and  ventrals ;  second  dorsal  above  anal ; 
caudal  pits  present,  the  fin  with  a  double  notch. 

A  single  species  is  known,  which  grows  large  and  is  one  of  the 
fiercest  sharks. 

20.  Galeocerdo  arcticus  (Faber). 

Squalus  arcticus  Faber,  Naturgesch.  Fische  Islands,  1829,  17. 

Galeus  maculatus  Ranzani,  Novi  Comment.  Ac.  Sci.  Inst.  Bonon.,  V, 

1840,  7,  PI.  I  (Brazil). 
Galeocerdo    tigrinus   Miiller   &    Henle,    Plagiostomen,    1841,    59,    PI. 

XXIII;  Jordan  &  Bollman,  Proc.  U.   S.   Nat.   Mus.,   1889,    179 

(Panama  Bay)  ;  Jordan   &   Evermann,   Bull.   U.    S.   Nat.   Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  32. 
Galeocerdo   arcticus   Miiller   &   Henle,   Plagiostomen,    1841,   60,   PL 

XXIV;  Carman,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI,  1913,  148. 
Carcharias  fasciatus  Bleeker,  Verh.  Bat.  Gen.,  Plagios.,  XXIV,  1852, 

37  (Indian  Archipelago). 

Boreogaleus  arcticus  Gill,  Ann.  Lye.  Nat.  Hist.  N.  Y.,  VII,  1861,  411. 
Galeocerdo  maculatus  Poey,  Repertorio,  II,  1868,  453. 
Galeocerdo  rayneri  Macdonald  &  Barren,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London, 

1868,  368,  PI.  XXXII  ("Southern  Seas"). 
Galeocerdo   obtusus  Klunzinger,   Verh.   Zool.-Bot.   Ges.   Wien,   XXI, 

1871,664  (Red  Sea). 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     57 

Galeocerdo  fasciatus  Kampen,  Bull.  Dept.  Agric.  Indes-Neerl.,  VIII, 

1907,  9  (Indian  Archipelago). 

Body  robust;  head  depressed;  tail  compressed;  snout  very  short 
and  broad,  outline  in  front  of  eyes  nearly  semicircular;  nostrils 
remote,  the  interspace  greater  than  length  of  snout;  spiracles  small, 
elongate,  placed  behind  the  eye;  eye  moderate,  elongate,  pupil  round; 
mouth  large,  its  width  greater  than  length  of  snout ;  a  long  labial  fold 
on  upper  jaw ;  teeth  alike  in  both  jaws,  broad  oblique  cusps  on  broad 
bases,  edges  denticulate ;  origin  of  dorsal  a  short  distance  behind 
base  of  pectorals ;  second  dorsal  a  little  larger  than  anal  and  a  little  in 
advance  of  it;  caudal  long,  slender,  pointed,  from  3  to  4  in  total 
length,  lower  lobe  produced,  acute;  ventral  fins  small,  inserted  nearer 
the  second  than  the  first  dorsal;  pectoral  fins  large,  the  posterior 
margin  concave. 

Color  of  young  light  brownish  with  numerous  irregular  spots  of 
darker  along  sides  and  on  fins,  the  spots  often  more  or  less  coalesced 
and  forming  vertical  bars.  These  markings  fade  with  age  as  the 
ground  color  darkens  until  the  body  becomes  nearly  a  uniform  grayish 
brown. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us,  but  large  sharks  were  seen  which 
probably  were  tiger  sharks.  The  species  is  not  recorded  from  the 
Atlantic  coast  of  Panama,  but  it  was  once  taken  on  the  Pacific  coast 
by  the  "Albatross." 

Known  from  tropical  and  temperate  seas. 

Family  V.    Cestraciontidae. 

THE  HAMMER-HEAD  SHARKS. 

This  family  resembles  the  species  of  the  genus  Carcharhinus,  differ- 
ing in  the  peculiar  modification  of  the  head,  which  is  greatly  depressed 
and  broadly  expanded,  hammer-shaped.  The  eyes  are  far  apart,  being 
situated  on  the  lateral  margins  of  the  expanded  head;  nictitating 
membrane  present;  no  spiracles;  nostrils  remote  from  each  other 
and  distinct  from  the  mouth;  labial  folds  rudimentary;  teeth 
compressed ;  first  dorsal  fin  large,  in  advance  of  ventrals ;  second  dorsal 
and  anal  small,  opposite;  lower  lobe  of  caudal  prominent.  A  single 
genus  is  known. 

8.  Genus  Cestracion  Klein. 
Cestracion  Klein,  Neuer  Schauplatz,  etc.,  Ill,  1776,  523  (type  Squahis 

zygana  Linnaeus). 
Sphyrna  Rafinesque,  Ind.  d'ltt.  Sicil.,  etc.,  1810,  46,  60  (type  Squalus 

zygcena  Linnaeus). 


58    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  head  much  depressed,  with  a  broad 
expansion  on  each  side,  more  or  less  hammer-shaped;  eyes  far  apart, 
placed  on  lateral  edges  of  the  broadly  expanded  head;  nictitating 
membrane  present;  no  spiracles;  mouth  inferior,  strongly  arched; 
labial  folds  rudimentary;  teeth  compressed,  more  or  less  triangular, 
with  broadly  expanded  bases  and  a  notch  on  posterior  edge;  first  dor- 
sal behind  the  origin  of  the  pectorals  and  in  advance  of  the  ventrals ; 
second  dorsal  over  the  anal ;  caudal  pits  present ;  lower  lobe  of  caudal 
produced. 

KEY  TO  THE   SPECIES. 

a.  Head  very  broad,  its  greatest  width  about  3  in  total  length, 
anterior  outline  irregular,  a  deep  concavity  over  each  nostril; 
a  long  nasorial  groove  present ;  origin  of  first  dorsal  a  little  in 
advance  of  axil  of  pectoral.  zygana,  p.  58. 

aa.  Head  less  broadly  expanded,  its  width  4.5  and  5.5  in  total 
length,  anterior  outline  regular,  no  concavity  over  the  nostrils ; 
nasorial  groove  short  or  obsolete;  origin  of  first  dorsal  behind 
vertical  from  axil  of  pectoral. 

b.  Front    margin    of   head    broadly    rounded ;    origin    of    dorsal 
slightly  behind  axil  of  pectorals;  distance  from  end  of  base  of 
second  dorsal  to  caudal  pit  not  quite  as  long  as  base  of  first 
dorsal;  the  posterior  acute  angle  of  second  dorsal  reaching  ^ 
the  distance  to  caudal  pit ;  ventral  fins  inserted  nearer  tips  of 
lower  angle  of  pectorals  than  origin  of  anal.  tudes,  p.  59. 

bb.  Front  margin  of  head  more  strongly  convex;  origin  of  dorsal 
at  vertical  from  tips  of  lower  angles  of  pectorals ;  distance  from 
end  of  base  of  second  dorsal  to  caudal  pit  longer  than  base 
of  first  dorsal ;  the  posterior  acute  angle  of  second  dorsal 
reaching  scarcely  half  way  to  caudal  pit;  ventral  fins  inserted 
nearer  origin  of  anal  than  tips  of  lower  angle  of  pectorals. 

tiburo,  p.  60. 

21.  Cestracion  zygaena  (Linnaeus). 

Squalus  zygozna  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  234  (Europe;  Amer- 
ica). 

Cestracion  zygcena  Klein,  Neuer  Schauplatz,  etc.,  Ill,  1776,  524,  706; 
Carman,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI,  1913,  157,  PI.  I, 
figs.  1-3. 

Sphyrna  zygcena  Rafinesque,  Ind.  d'ltt.  Sicil.,  etc.,  1810,  46;  Jordan 
&  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  45 ;  Gilbert  & 
Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  13  (Panama  Bay). 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     59 

Zygcena  zygcena  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  I,  II,  1817,  127. 
Zygcena  malleus  Valenciennes,  Memoir.  Mus.  Hist.  Nat.,  IX,  1822,  225. 
Sphyrichthys  zygcena  Thienemann,  Lehrb.,  Ill,  1828,  408. 
Sphyrnias  zygcena  Gray,  Chondropterygii,  1851,  49. 
Sphyra  malleus  Hoeven,  Handb.,  II,  1858,  68. 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  head  very  broad,  greatly  expanded, 
the  front  margin  a  broad,  irregular  curve,  a  deep  concavity  at  nostril ; 
head  to  first  gill-slit  1.6  to  1.7  in  width  of  head  or  hammer;  width  of 
head  from  3  to  3.25  in  total  length;  nostril  close  to  eye,  with  a  long 
groove  on  margin  of  snout,  extending  more  than  half  way  to  middle 
of  snout ;  eye  rather  large,  distance  from  nostril  less  than  its  diameter ; 
mouth  moderate,  its  width  i.i  to  1.15  in  preoral  length  of  snout;  teeth 
similar  in  both  jaws,  oblique,  cusps  triangular,  the  lateral  ones  with  a 
notch  at  base  posteriorly;  first  dorsal  high,  its  height  much  greater 
than  length  of  its  base,  outer  margin  concave,  the  lower  angle  some- 
what produced,  acute,  origin  a  little  in  advance  of  axil  of  pectoral, 
base  1.9  to  2.2  in  distance  between  dorsal  fins;  second  dorsal  small, 
its  posterior  angle  notably  produced,  reaching  about  24  the  distance 
to  caudal  pit,  base  5.6  to  6.3  in  distance  between  dorsal  fins;  upper 
lobe  of  caudal  long,  rather  acute,  3.1  to  3.2  in  total  length;  lower  lobe 
produced,  acute,  2.75  to  2.85  in  the  upper ;  anal  fin  a  little  longer  than 
the  second  dorsal,  its  outer  margin  deeply  concave,  origin  a  little  in 
advance  of  the  second  dorsal,  base  1.2  in  distance  to  base  of  lower 
lobe  of  caudal;  ventral  fins  small,  inserted  slightly  more  than  half  as 
far  from  origin  of  anal  as  from  origin  of  pectorals;  pectoral  fins 
moderate,  scarcely  reaching  to  end  of  base  of  first  dorsal,  the  lower 
angle  not  produced  and  the  posterior  margin  of  fin  not  concave. 

Color  grayish  above;  pale  below. 

We  have  at  hand  5  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  560  to  1350 
mm.  Our  specimens  are  all  from  the  Atlantic  side.  The  species  was 
not  taken  on  the  Pacific  side,  although  reported  abundant  there  by 
Gilbert  and  Starks  (1904). 

Known  from  tropical  and  temperate  seas.  Four  specimens  were 
secured  in  the  Colon  fish  market  and  the  largest  one  with  hook  and 
line  at  Porto  Bello. 

22.  Cestracion  tudes  (Cuvier). 

Zygcsna  tudes  Cuvier,  in  Valenciennes,  Memoir.  Mus.  Hist.  Nat.,  IX, 
1822,  225,  PI.  XII,  fig.  i  (Nice). 


60   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Sphyrna  tudes  Miiller  &  Henle,  Plagiostomen,  1841,  53;  Jordan  & 
Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  II,  1882  (1883),  105;  Jordan  & 
Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  44;  Gilbert  & 
Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  13  (Panama  Bay). 
Sphyrnias  tudes  Gray,  Chondropterygii,  1851,  53. 
Cestracion  tudes  Dumeril,  Elasmobranches,  1865,  384;  Garman,  Memoir. 
Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI,  1913,  159. 

Body  slender,  compressed ;  head  moderately  expanded,  the  front 
margin  evenly  and  broadly  rounded,  no  concavity  over  nostril;  head 
to  first  gill-slit  1.2  in  its  greatest  width,  the  width  of  hammer  4.5  in 
total  length;  nostril  close  to  eye,  with  a  short  rudimentary  groove  not 
longer  than  eye;  eye  moderate,  distance  from  nostril  less  than  its 
diameter;  mouth  moderate,  its  width  1.25  in  preoral  length;  teeth 
unlike  in  the  jaws,  the  upper  ones  with  compressed  cusps  with  a  sharp 
apex,  broad  base  and  a  notch  posteriorly,  the  lower  teeth  much  nar- 
rower, bases  broad  and  apices  slightly  recurved,  no  serrations ;  first 
dorsal  rather  high  and  short,  its  base  1.9  in  the  height,  the  lower  angle 
somewhat  produced,  acute,  origin  slightly  behind  axil  of  pectorals, 
base  2.4  in  distance  between  dorsal  fins ;  second  dorsal  very  small,  its 
lower  angle  produced,  acute,  reaching  ^  the  distance  to  caudal  pit; 
distance  between  end  of  base  of  fin  and  caudal  pit  a  little  shorter  than 
base  of  first  dorsal;  upper  lobe  of  caudal  long,  not  sharply  pointed, 
3.3  in  total  length;  lower  lobe  exserted,  2.75  in  the  upper;  anal  fin 
nearly  twice  as  long  as  the  second  dorsal,  its  outer  margin  moderately 
concave,  origin  in  advance  of  second  dorsal,  its  base  .75  in  distance 
to  base  of  caudal;  ventral  fins  moderate,  inserted  about  an  eye's 
diameter  nearer  tips  of  lower  angle  of  pectorals  than  origin  of  anal; 
pectorals  moderate,  not  reaching  end  of  base  of  first  dorsal. 
Color  grayish  above,  pale  below. 

A  single  specimen,  510  mm.  long,  was  secured  on  the  Atlantic  side. 
Although  reported  as  common  on  the  Pacific  side  by  Gilbert  &  Starks 
(1904),  it  was  not  obtained  there  by  us. 

Known  from  all  tropical  seas.  Our  specimen  was  secured  in  the 
Colon  fish  market. 

23.  Cestracion  tiburo  (Linnaeus). 

Squalus  tiburo  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  234  (America). 

Cestracion  tiburo  Klein,  Neuer  Schauplatz,  etc.,  Ill,  1776,  526;  Gar- 
man, Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI,  1913,  160,  PI.  I, 
figs.  4-6. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     61 

Sphyrna  tiburo  Rafinesque,  Ind.  d'ltt.  Sicil.,  etc.,  1810,  47;  Jordan  & 

Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  44,  PI.  V,  fig.  19; 

Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  13   (Panama 

Bay). 

Cestrorhinus  tiburo  Blainville,  Bull.  Soc.  Philom.,  1816,  121. 
Zygana  tiburo  Valenciennes,  Memoir.  Mus.  Hist.,  Nat.  IX,  1822,  226, 

PI.  XII,  figs.  2*,  2b. 

Platysqualus  tiburo  Swainson,  Nat.  Hist.  &  Class.  Fish.,  II,  1839,  318. 
Sphyrnias  tiburo  Gray,  Chondropterygii,  1851,  50. 
Reniceps  tiburo  Gill,  Ann.  Lye.  Nat.  Hist.  N.  Y.,  VII,  1861,  412. 

Body  slender,  compressed;  head  less  broadly  expanded  than  in 
related  species,  the  front  margin  evenly  and  rather  sharply  curved, 
more  strongly  convex  than  in  C.  tudcs,  no  concavity  over  nostril; 
head  to  first  gill-slit  1.05  to  1.15  in  its  greatest  width,  the  width  of 
hammer  5.3  in  total  length;  nostril  close  to  eye,  groove  very  short, 
not  longer  than  eye ;  eye  moderate,  distance  from  nostril  scarcely  equal 
to  its  diameter;  mouth  moderate,  its  width  1.3  to  1.55  in  preoral  length ; 
teeth  in  the  jaws  broad-based,  the  cusps  compressed,  oblique  on  lateral 
portion  of  jaws,  the  upper  ones  somewhat  broader,  posteriorly  with 
a  very  deep  notch ;  first  dorsal  nearly  twice  as  high  as  long,  the  lower 
angle  little  produced,  acute,  origin  at  vertical  from  tip  of  lower  angle 
of  pectorals,  the  base  2.9  in  distance  between  dorsal  fins ;  second  dorsal 
rather  small,  posterior  angle  produced,  reaching  a  little  less  than  half 
way  to  caudal  pit;  distance  from  end  of  base  of  second  dorsal  to 
caudal  pit  longer  than  base  of  first  dorsal ;  upper  lobe  of  caudal  quite 
long,  pointed,  3.55  to  3.8  in  total  length;  lower  lobe  well  developed,  2.75 
to  2.9  in  the  upper ;  anal  fin  nearly  2  times  as  long  as  the  second  dorsal, 
its  outer  margin  gently  concave,  origin  in  advance  of  second  dorsal, 
base  .65  to  .85  in  distance  to  base  of  caudal ;  ventral  fins  moderate,  the 
claspers  in  a  male  6iomm.  long  more  than  twice  the  length  of  the 
fins,  fins  inserted  an  eye's  diameter  nearer  origin  of  anal  than  tips  of 
lower  angle  of  pectorals ;  pectoral  fins  rather  large,  reaching  about  op- 
posite middle  of  base  of  dorsal. 

Color  grayish  above ;  pale  below.  Our  largest  specimen  with  a  few 
small,  round,  dark  spots  on  sides. 

Three  specimens,  respectively  275,  320  and  610  mm.  in  length,  are 
at  hand.  The  smallest  one  is  an  embryo  which  still  shows  the  umbilical 
attachment. 

Known  from  nearly  all  temperate  and  tropical  seas.  Our  largest 
specimen  is  from  Colon  on  the  Atlantic  side,  and  the  other  2  specimens 
are  from  the  Pacific,  from  Chame  Point,  collected  by  Robert  Tweedlie. 


62    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Family  VI.    Vulpeculidae. 

THE  THRESHER  SHARKS. 

Body  moderately  elongate;  head  short;  tail  very  long;  mouth 
crescent-shaped ;  teeth  in  both  jaws  equal,  of  moderate  size,  compressed, 
triangular,  not  serrate ;  gill-slits  5,  the  last  one  above  base  of  pectoral ; 
no  nictitating  membrane ;  spiracles  behind  eyes,  minute  or  absent ; 
first  dorsal  large,  midway  between  pectorals  and  ventrals;  second 
dorsal  and  anal  small;  caudal  fin  exceedingly  long,  about  as  long  as 
the  rest  of  the  body;  caudal  pits  present;  lower  lobe  moderately  de- 
veloped ;  pectoral  fins  large,  falcate. 

A  single  genus  and  species  reaching  a  large  size. 

9.  Genus  Vulpecula  Valmont. 

Vulpecula  Valmont,  Diet.  Hist.  Nat.,  Ill,  1768,  740  (type  Vulpecula 

marina  Valmont  =  Squalus  vulpinus  Bonnaterre  =  Squalus  vulpes 

Gmelin). 
Alopias  Rafinesque,  Caratteri,  etc.,  1810,  12  (type  Alopias  macrourus 

Rafinesque) . 
Alopecias  Miiller   &   Henle,   Sitzb.   k.  Ak.   Wiss.    Berlin,    1837,    114 

(Amended  orthography). 

The  characters  of  the  genus  are  included  in  the  family  description. 

24.  Vulpecula  marina  Valmont. 

Vulpecula  marina  Valmont,  Die.  Hist.  Nat.,  Ill,   1768,  740   (After 

Salviani  and  other  early  writers)  ;  Carman,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp. 

Zool.,  XXXVI,  1913,  30,  PI.  VII,  figs.  1-3,  PI.  XLII  (brain). 
Squalus  vulpes  Gmelin,  Syst.  Nat.,  I,  1789,  1496  (Mediterranean). 
Squalus  vulpinus  Bonnaterre,  Tableau  Encyclo.,  Ichth.,  1788,  9,  PI. 

LXXXV,  fig.  349  (Mediterranean). 

Alopias  macrourus  Rafinesque,  Caratteri,  etc.,  1810,  12  (Sicily). 
Alopecias  vulpes  Miiller  &  Henle,  Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Berlin,  1837, 

114. 
Alopias  vulpes  Bonaparte,  Icon.  Fauna  Ital.,  Pesci,  1841,  with  plate; 

Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  45. 

This  shark  is  not  as  yet  recorded  from  Panama,  but  it  is  widely 
distributed  and  it  undoubtedly  at  times  frequents  the  shores  of  the 
Isthmus.  The  species  is  readily  recognized  by  the  excessively  long 
caudal  fin,  which  is  more  than  half  the  total  length. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     63 

Family  VII.    Isuridae. 

THE  MACKEREL  SHARKS. 

Body  robust;  head  conical;  tail  slender,  the  peduncle  depressed, 
with  lateral  folds  and  caudal  pits ;  nostrils  oblique,  near  the  mouth  but 
not  confluent  with  it ;  eyes  without  nictitating  membrane ;  mouth  broad ; 
teeth  large;  spiracles  small  or  wanting;  gill-slits  wide,  all  in  front  of 
pectorals;  first  dorsal  large;  second  dorsal  and  anal  small;  pectorals 
large,  falcate. 

10.  Genus  Carcharodon  Smith. 

Carcharodon  Smith,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1837,  86   (type  Car- 
charodon capensis  Smith  =  Squdlus  carcharias  Linnaeus). 
Body  very  robust  anteriorly;  head  conical;  caudal  peduncle  strong, 
depressed;  teeth  large,  compressed,  serrate,  triangular,  the  upper  teeth 
broadest;  first   dorsal   large,   nearly   midway  between  pectorals   and 
ventrals ;  second  dorsal  and  anal  very  small ;  pectorals  large. 

25.  Carcharodon  carcharias  (Linnaeus). 

Squalus  carcharias  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  235  (Europe). 
Carcharodon  rondeletii  Miiller  &  Henle,  Plagiostomen,  1838,  70  (Med- 
iterranean and  Atlantic  Ocean). 
Carcharias  atwoodi  Storer,  Proc.  Bost.  Soc.  Nat.  Hist.,  Ill,  1848,  71 

(Provincetown). 
Carcharodon  capensis  Smith,  111.  Zool.  S.  Africa,  Pisces,  IV,  1849,  ^- 

IV  (Cape  of  Good  Hope). 

Carcharodon  carcharias  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI, 
1883,  875;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 
1896,  50;  Garman,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI,  1913,  32, 
PI.  V,  figs.  5-9. 

This  ferocious  shark,  which  has  gained  for  itself  the  name,  "Man- 
eater",  is  not  recorded  from  either  coast  of  Panama,  but,  since  it  is 
cosmopolitan  in  temperate  and  torrid  seas,  it  may  be  expected  there. 
It  is  said  to  reach  a  length  of  about  30  feet.  This  shark  may  be  dis- 
tinguished from  related  species  by  the  large,  triangular,  serrate  teeth, 
the  other  species  having  smaller  teeth  which  are  scarcely,  or  not,  tri- 
angular and  not  serrate. 


64   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Order  III.  Cyclospondyli. 

Family  VIII.    Squalidae. 

THE  DOG-FISHES. 

Body  elongate;  head  depressed;  eyes  lateral,  no  nictitating  mem- 
brane; nostrils  inferior,  separate,  remote  from  the  mouth;  mouth 
rather  large,  inferior,  with  labial  folds  and  a  deep  groove  at  each 
angle;  spiracles  present;  gill-slits  5,  all  in  front  of  pectoral;  dorsal 
fins  2,  each  preceded  by  a  spine;  no  anal  fin. 

A  single  genus  and  species  has  been  recorded  from  Panama. 

11.  Genus  Squalus  Linnaeus. 

Squalus  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  233  (including  all  sharks). 
Squalus  Rafinesque,  Caratteri,  etc.,  1810,  13   (first  restriction  of  the 

name  Squalus  to  species  with  spiracles  and  no  anal  fin ;  type  Squalus 

acanthias  Linnaeus). 
Acanthorhinus  Blainville,  Bull.  Soc.  Philom.,  1816,  263  (type  Squalus 

acanthias  Linnaeus). 
Acanthias  Risso,  Hist.  Nat.  Princ.  Prod.  1'Europe,  III,  1826,  131  (type 

Squalus  acanthias  Linnaeus). 

Body  rather  slender;  head  flattened  below;  snout  produced,  taper- 
ing ;  nostrils  transverse,  inferior,  remote  from  mouth ;  spiracles  behind 
eyes;  mouth  wide,  little  arched,  with  a  deep  groove  and  with  labial 
folds  at  each  angle ;  teeth  compressed,  alike  in  both  jaws,  with  oblique 
cusps;  dorsal  spines  not  grooved  on  sides;  first  dorsal  near  the 
pectorals ;  second  dorsal  behind  ventrals ;  caudal  pits  present ;  lower 
lobe  of  caudal  produced. 

A  single  species  was  once  reported,  by  name  only,  from  Panama 
by  Giinther  (Trans.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1868,  p.  396)  as  Acanthias 
vulgarls.  There  is  considerable  doubt  as  to  which  species  of  Squalus 
this  specimen  actually  belonged.  Gilbert  &  Starks  (Memoir.  Cal.  Ac. 
Sci.,  IV,  1904,  p.  13)  refer  it  doubtfully  to  S.  sucklii  (Girard).  Gar- 
man's  recent  work  (Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI,  1913,  pp. 
191  to  196)  does  not  appear  to  shed  much  light  on  the  subject.  Three 
species  are  recognized  by  this  author  but  he  fails  to  give  the  distribu- 
tion as  understood  by  him.  We  too  are  unable  to  contribute  further 
information.  We  offer  herewith  Carman's  key  to  the  species  of 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     65 

Squalus,  as  it  is  probable  that  one  or  more  of  the  species  may  be  found 

on  the  coasts  of  Panama. 

Dorsal  spine  behind  and  remote  from  the  inner  angle  of  the  pectoral. 

acanthias. 

Dorsal  spine  opposite  or  a  little  behind  the  inner  angle  of  the 
pectoral.  sucklii. 

Dorsal   spine  near  the  axil  of  the  pectorals,  between  the  inner 
margins.  fernandinus. 

Order  IV.  Batoidei. 
Family  IX.    Pristidae. 

THE  SAWFISHES. 

Body  elongate,  depressed;  snout  produced  into  a  long  thin,  flat 
process,  from  %  to  y$  the  total  length,  armed  with  a  series  of  strong 
teeth  along  each  edge ;  teeth  in  jaws  small,  paved ;  gill-slits  moderate, 
inferior ;  spiracles  wide,  behind  the  eye ;  nostrils  inferior ;  no  tentacles ; 
eye  without  nictitating  membrane ;  dorsal  fins  2,  large,  the  first  nearly 
opposite  ventrals ;  caudal  fin  well  developed,  bent  upward ;  a  fold  along 
each  side  of  tail ;  pectoral  fins  moderate,  the  front  margin  not  extend- 
ing to  head. 

A  single  genus  is  known.  The  sawfishes  dwell  on  the  bottom. 
The  large  saw-like  rostrum  probably  is  not  used  extensively  as  an  of- 
fensive weapon,  but  it  does  constitute  an  effective  defensive  weapon, 
as  the  fish  is  able  to  strike  from  side  to  side  with  great  force. 

12.  Genus  Pristis  Klein. 

Pristis  Klein,  Neuer  Schauplatz,  etc.,  VII,  1779,  403    (type  Squalus 
pristis  Linnaeus). 
The  characters  of  the  genus  are  included  in  the  family  description. 

KEY   TO   THE    SPECIES. 

a.       Origin  of  first  dorsal  notably  in  advance  of  the  ventrals ;  lower 
lobe  of  caudal  small;  17  to  23  teeth  on  each  edge  of  rostrum. 

microdon,  p.  66. 

aa.     Origin  of  first  dorsal  over  origin  of  ventrals;  lower  lobe  of 
caudal  absent ;  24  to  32  teeth  on  each  edge  of  rostrum. 

pectinatus,  p.  66. 


66   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

26.  Pristis  microdon  Latham. 

Pristis  microdon  Latham,  Trans.  Linn.  Soc.  London,  II,  1794,  280, 

PI.  XXVI,  fig.  4. 
Pristis  perotteti  Miiller  &  Henle,  Plagiostomen,   1838,   108   (Senegal 

River). 

Pristis  zysron  Bleeker,  Nat.  Tijds.  Ned.-Ind.,  Ill,  1852,  441. 
Pristis  zephyreus  Jordan  &  Starks,  Proc.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  2nd  Ser.,  V, 

1895,  383  (Mazatlan)  ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  14  (Panama). 

Body  depressed,  the  depth  between  the  dorsals  scarcely  less  than 
the  width;  caudal  peduncle  much  depressed,  with  a  lateral  keel;  saw 
long,  tapering,  its  width  at  distal  pair  of  teeth  2  times  in  its  width  at 
basal  pair  of  teeth,  length  of  rostrum  to  eye  about  3.4  in  total  length ; 
rostral  teeth  very  variable  in  length  among  specimens  and  regardless 
of  sex,  varying  from  4  to  14  mm.  in  specimens  825  mm.  long,  each 
tooth  posteriorly  with  a  groove,  the  teeth  not  always  evenly  paired,  from 
17  to  23  on  a  side;  teeth  in  the  jaws  paved,  in  70/72  to  72/74  rows; 
dorsal  fins  rather  large,  both  of  about  equal  height,  the  base  of  the 
second  shorter  than  that  of  the  first,  the  posterior  margin  of  each  fin 
deeply  concave;  the  distance  between  the  dorsal  fins  slightly  less  than 
half  the  length  of  rostrum  to  basal  pair  of  teeth;  upper  lobe  of 
caudal  long,  acute,  lower  lobe  small;  ventral  fins  inserted  about  ^ 
the  length  of  base  of  first  dorsal  behind  origin  of  anterior  dorsal  fin ; 
pectoral  fins  broad,  the  base  longer  than  the  fin,  extending  forward  to 
slightly  past  anterior  gill-slit. 

Color  dull  gray  above,  white  below. 

This  sawfish  is-  common  in  the  tide  streams  on  the  Pacific  coast 
of  Panama,  but  we  did  not  find  it  on  the  Atlantic  coast.  Twenty-two 
specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  800  to  1075  mm.,  were  preserved 
and  nearly  all  were  taken  in  fresh  water  at  or  above  the  head  of  tide. 
No  large  individuals  were  seen. 

Widely  distributed  in  tropical  seas.  Our  specimens  are  from  the 
Rio  Chorrera,  tide  stream  at  Balboa,  Rio  Bayano  and  Rio  Tuyra. 

27.  Pristis  pectinatus  Latham. 

Pristis  pectinatus  Latham,  Trans.  Linn.  Soc.  London,  II,   1794,  278 

("In  the  ocean"). 

Pristis  granulosa  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801,  352  (Havana). 
Pristis  megalodon  Dumeril,   Elasmobranches,   I,    1865,  476,   PI.   IX, 

fig.  4  (Cayenne). 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AXD  HILDEBRAND.     67 

Pristis   acutirostris   Dumeril,    Elasmobranches,    I,    1865,   479    (Mar- 
tinique). 

This  species  was  not  seen  by  us  and  it  is  not  recorded  from  Panama, 
although  it  undoubtedly  occurs  there.  Many  names  have  been  proposed 
for  this  sawfish  and  the  above  synonomy  is  very  incomplete.  The 
characters  distinguishing  this  species  are  included  in  the  foregoing 
key  to  the  species. 

Occurring  in  tropical  and  temperate  seas.  Not  as  yet  recorded 
from  either  coast  of  Panama. 


Family  X.    Rhinobatidae. 
THE  GUITAR  FISHES. 

Body,  head  and  tail  depressed ;  anterior  part  of  body  broad,  forming 
together  with  the  broad  development  of  the  pectorals  a  disk  which 
tapers  forward,  the  rayed  portion  of  the  pectorals  extending  opposite 
gill-slits;  tail  rather  strong,  wide  at  the  base,  bearing  2  dorsal  fins; 
a  moderate  to  small  caudal  fin  with  a  dermal  fold  on  each  side  extend- 
ing forward  on  caudal  peduncle;  spiracles  large,  close  to  the  eye;  nos- 
trils oblique;  teeth  small,  numerous,  paved.  In  the  representatives  of 
this  family  the  eggs  are  hatched  within  the  body  of  the  parent.  A 
single  genus  is  known  from  Panama. 

13.  Genus  Rhinobatus  Klein. 

Rhinobatus  Klein,  Neuer  Schauplatz,  etc.,  II,  1776,  593   (type  Raja 

rhinobatus  Linnaeus). 
Rliinobatos  Linck,  Mag.  Phys.  Nat.,  VI,  1790,  32  (type  Raja  rhinobatus 

Linnaeus). 

Body  depressed  throughout;  disk  subtriangular,  wide  posteriorly 
and  passing  gradually  into  the  rather  pointed  snout;  the  pectorals 
mostly  developed  behind  shoulder  girdle,  not  extending  forward  to 
snout;  snout  formed  by  the  long  rostral  cartilage  and  a  vascular  area 
on  each  side  of  it;  spiracles  large,  placed  immediately  behind  the  eyes, 
usually  with  I  or  2  membranous  folds  posteriorly;  nostrils  oblique, 
wide ;  dorsal  fins  behind  the  ventrals ;  no  subcaudal  lobe ;  ventrals 
close  to  the  pectorals. 

KEY   TO   THE    SPECIES. 

a.       Rostral    cartilage    tapering,    the    ridges    separate    throughout, 
gradually  converging  toward  tip  of  snout;  internarial   space 


68   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

about  24  the  width  of  nostril;  color  usually  uniform  grayish 
above,  rarely  with  small  white  spots.  leucorhynchus,  p.  68. 
aa.  Rostral  cartilage  narrower  in  middle  than  at  the  ends,  the  ridges 
separate  throughout,  converging  on  basal  y$  and  from  thence 
to  tip  the  interspace  is  of  uniform  width;  internarial  space  as 
broad  as  nostril;  upper  parts  of  body  usually  with  rather  few 
small  white  spots  symmetrically  arranged.  percellens,  p.  69. 

28.  Rhinobatus  leucorhynchus  Gunther. 

Rhinobatus  leucorhynchus  Gunther,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1866, 
604  (Panama)  ;  Carman,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1880,  517  (Pan- 
ama) ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  14  (Pan- 
ama) ;  Garman,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI,  1913,  282. 
Body  depressed  throughout;  disk  rather  broad,  its  width  at  broad- 
est point  a  little  less  than  its  length  measured  from  tip  of  snout  to 
axil  of  pectoral,  the  lateral  outline  of  disk  on  snout  slightly  concave; 
snout  strong,  proportionately  longer  in  the  young  than  in  adult,  1.86 
to  2.5  in  disk  measured  to  tips  of  pectorals;  rostral  cartilage  strong, 
tapering,  the  ridges  well  separated  throughout,  but  converging  toward 
tip  of  snout,  the  interspace  distally  less  than  half  as  wide  as  posteriorly; 
eye  nearly  equal  to  interorbital  in  very  young,  much  narrower  in  adult, 
4.4  in  snout;  interorbital  flat  or  very  slightly  concave,  3.15  to  4  in 
snout;  spiracles  smaller  than  eye,  posteriorly  with  2  definite  folds  of 
skin,  the  outer  one  much  the  larger;  nostrils  broad;  internarial  area 
about  y$  width  of  the  nostril  and  ^2  as  wide  as  mouth;  mouth  bent 
slightly  forward  in  middle,  its  width  2.1  to  2.4  in  snout;  teeth  paved; 
median  line  of  back  to  second  dorsal  with  short  low  spines,  a  series 
of  smaller  ones  on  supraorbital  and  preorbital  ridges,  a  pair  of  spines 
(young  specimen,  190  mm.)  or  2  clusters  of  spines  (adults)  on  each 
shoulder,  none  on  snout,  these  spines  all  proportionately  longer  in 
the  young  than  in  the  adult;  dorsal  fins  of  about  the  same  size  and 
shape,  highest  anteriorly,  the  outer  posterior  margins  slightly  truncate, 
the  base  of  the  first  dorsal  2.5  to  2.6  in  distance  between  the  dorsal 
fins;  caudal  fin  pointed  above,  the  lower  lobe  not  exserted,  rounded 
below;  ventral  fins  moderate,  anterior  margin  convex,  posteriorly 
nearly  straight. 

Color  of  specimen  (590  mm.)  dark  gray  above,  the  snout  and  outer 
parts  of  disk  paler,  no  spots  or  blotches.  Lower  parts  pale,  the  distal 
part  of  snout  dusky.  Small  specimen  (190  mm.)  generally  lighter 
in  color  and  with  a  few  pale  spots  sparsely  scattered  over  the  upper 
parts.  The  distal  part  of  snout  not  dusky. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     69 

Two  specimens,  respectively  190  and  590  mm.  in  length,  were 
secured  of  this  rather  rare  species.  We  also  have  examined  2  adult 
specimens  from  Mazatlan  with  which  our  large  specimen  agrees  per- 
fectly. The  young  individual  differs  in  several  respects  from  the 
adults,  as  shown  in  the  description,  but  these  differences  are  believed 
to  be  due  to  age. 

Known  from  Mazatlan  to  Guayaquil,  Ecuador.  One  of  our  speci- 
mens was  seined  on  a  sandy  beach  at  Balboa  and  the  other  was  found 
in  the  Panama  City  market. 

29.  Rhinobatus  percellens  (Walbaum). 

Raja  percellens  Walbaum,  Artedi  Piscium,  1792,  525  (Brazil; . 

Rhinobatus   eleciricus   Bloch    &   Schneider,    Syst.    Ichth.,    1801,    356 

(Brazil). 

Rhinobatus  undulatus  Olfers,  Torpedo,  1831,  22  (Brazil). 
Rhinobatus  marcgrairii  Henle,  Ueber  Narcine,  1834,  34  (Brazil). 
Rhinobatus  percellens  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  63;  Garman,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI, 

1913,  278. 

Body  depressed  throughout;  disk  moderately  broad,  its  width  at 
broadest  point  about  1.2  in  its  length  measured  from  tip  of  snout  to 
axil  of  pectoral,  the  lateral  outline  of  disk  on  snout  slightly  concave; 
snout  rather  narrow,  2.2  to  2.3  in  disk  measured  to  tips  of  pectorals; 
rostral  cartilage  narrower  in  the  middle  than  at  the  ends,  the  ridges 
separate  throughout,  converging  from  fontanel  forward  for  about  Yz 
their  length,  thence  parallel  on  inner  edges,  space  between  the  ridges 
about  half  as  broad  anteriorly  as  posteriorly;  eye  notably  narrower 
than  interorbital  space,  4.7  to  4.85  in  snout;  interorbital  slightly  con- 
cave, the  orbital  ridges  somewhat  raised,  4.3  to  4.4  in  snout;  spiracles 
smaller  than  eye,  posteriorly  with  2  definite  folds  of  skin,  the  outer 
one  notably  the  larger;  nostrils  of  moderate  width;  internarial  area 
equal  to  width  of  nostril  and  y2  width  of  mouth ;  mouth  bent  forward 
slightly  in  middle,  its  width  2.3  in  snout ;  teeth  and  jaws  paved ;  median 
line  of  back  to  first  dorsal  with  a  row  of  short  low  spines  and  5  or  6 
very  small  ones  behind  first  dorsal,  a  row  of  small  spines  on  supra- 
orbital  and  preorbital  ridges,  a  single  spine  on  each  shoulder,  none 
on  tip  of  snout ;  dorsal  fins  of  about  the  same  size  and  shape,  highest 
anteriorly,  the  outer  posterior  margins  slightly  truncate,  the  base  of 


70  FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

the  first  dorsal  2.25  to  2.55  in  distance  between  dorsals ;  caudal  fin 
somewhat  pointed  above,  rounded  below,  the  lower  lobe  not  exserted; 
ventral  fins  moderate,  the  posterior  margin  gently  convex,  claspers  in 
male  very  long,  nearly  as  long  as  preoral  part  of  snout. 

Color  of  specimens  at  hand  light  grayish  above,  with  round  white 
spots  which  are  less-  numerous  and  slightly  less  distinct  than  in 
R.  lentiginosus  Carman.  The  spots  are  symmetrically  arranged,  i.e., 
those  occurring  on  one  side  of  median  line  have  fellows  on  the  opposite 
side.  Lower  parts  pale;  tip  of  snout  with  a  large  triangular  dusky 
blotch. 

A  rare  species  on  the  Atlantic  coast  of  Panama.  Two  specimens, 
a  male  and  female  respectively  440  and  520  mm.  in  length,  were  taken. 
We  have  had  no  specimens  from  other  localities  for  comparison,  but 
our  material  agrees  quite  well  with  current  descriptions,  except  certain 
features  of  the  account  given  by  Starks  (Leland  Stanford  Junior  Uni- 
versity Publications,  University  Series,  1913,  page  5),  based  on  2  speci- 
mens taken  at  Natal,  Brazil,  in  which  he  states  that  the  greatest  width 
of  the  disk  is  equal  to  the  space  from  the  tip  of  the  snout  to  the  middle 
of  the  eyes.  In  our  specimens  the  distance  from  the  middle  of  the 
eyes  to  tip  of  snout  is  nearly  exactly  equal  to  half  the  width  of  the 
disk.  It  is  quite  probable  that  an  error  in  statement  was  made.  Starks 
also  states  that  the  vent  is  midway  between  tip  of  snout  and  base  of 
caudal,  whereas  in  our  specimens  the  vent  is  much  farther  forward. 
The  species  must  vary  greatly  in  color,  if  all  the  specimens  of  various 
colors  described  belong  to  one  species.  Carman  (1913)  states  that  the 
body  may  be  blotched  or  plain  and  that  it  may  be  sprinkled  with  small 
white  dots.  Starks  gives  the  ground  color  as  white  or  light  sienna 
and  with  brown  spots  scattered  over  the  upper  parts  so  closely  that 
the  ground  color  shows  only  as  reticulations.  White  spots  which  are 
small  and  sparsely  scattered  are  also  mentioned. 

Known  from  the  West  Indies  to  the  Plata  River.  Our  specimens 
are  from  Toro  Point  and  Colon. 


Family  XL    Raj  id  as. 
THE  SKATES. 

Body  and  head  much  depressed,  united  with  the  pectorals  and 
forming  a  rhomboid  disk ;  tail  distinct,  stout,  rather  long,  with  lateral 
folds;  dorsal  fins  2,  small,  both  on  the  posterior  half  of  the  tail;  eyes 
and  spiracles  superior;  mouth  inferior,  small;  teeth  small,  numerous, 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     71 

in  pavement;  skin  usually  more  or  less  rough  with  small  spines  and 
larger  tubercles.  The  species  are  oviparous,  the  eggs  being  laid  in 
large  leathery,  4-angled  cases,  with  2  tubular  "horns"  at  each  end. 

14.  Genus  Raja  Linnaeus. 

Raja  Linnaeus,   Syst.   Nat.,   Ed.   X,   I,   1758,  231    (type  Raja  batis 

Linnaeus). 

Disk  more  or  less  quadrangular  to  circular;  snout  more  or  less 
produced,  with  a  stout  prolongation  from  the  skull  as  a  rostral 
cartilage ;  pectoral  fins  widely  separated  at  snout,  not  reaching  its  end ; 
mouth  transverse,  nearly  straight;  teeth  small,  varying  from  flat  to 
sharp  and  pointed,  usually  different  in  the  sexes ;  tail  with  a  fold  along 
each  side;  caudal  fin  membranous;  ventral  fins  deeply  notched.  A 
single  species  of  this  large  genus  is  recorded  from  the  Isthmus  of 
Panama. 

30.  Raja  equatorialis  Jordan  &  Bollman. 

Raja  equatorialis  Jordan  &  Bollman,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1889,  150 

(Panama   Bay) ;   Jordan   &   Evermann,   Bull.   U.    S.    Nat.    Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  74. 
Raia  equatorialis  Garman,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI,  1913, 

357- 

Disk  about  a  third  broader  than  long,  antero-lateral  margin 
concave;  snout  produced,  rather  acute,  its  length  less  than  a  third  of 
the  disk;  interorbital  transversely  concave,  2.4  in  snout;  width  of 
mouth  1.5  in  pre-nasal  part  of  snout;  nasal  flaps  at  angle  of  mouth 
deeply  fringed;  upper  surface  roughened  by  small  spines  near  the 
anterior  margins,  above  the  snout,  on  top  of  the  head  and  by  stronger 
ones  or  tubercles  in  2  rows  on  the  rostral  cartilage,  on  the  orbital 
ridges,  opposite  the  eyes  and  in  a  lateral  row  on  each  side  of  tail; 
median  line  of  back  and  tail  with  alternating  sizes  of  tubercles;  a 
tubercle  on  each  shoulder;  dorsal  fins  small,  about  2  in  snout; 
caudal  small,  not  longer  than  eye. 

Color  light  brown,  spotted  with  paler;  the  back  with  obscure 
reticulations  of  the  ground  color,  forming  honeycomb-like  markings, 
surrounding  paler  color;  an  obscure,  roundish,  dusky  blotch  at  middle 
of  base  of  pectorals,  and  a  darker  one  near  their  posterior  base;  edges 
of  ventrals,  pectorals  and  snout  pale;  dark  markings  on  interorbital 
area  and  below  eye;  lower  surfaces  plain. 

This  species  is  known  only  from  the  type,  a  male  355  mm.  long, 
dredged  by  the  Albatross  in  Panama  Bay  at  a  depth  of  33  fathoms. 


72    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Family  XII.    Narcaciontidae. 

THE  ELECTRIC  RAYS. 

Head,  trunk,  electric  organs  and  pectorals  forming  a  smooth, 
depressed,  subcircular  disk;  tail  short,  rather  stout,  with  or  without 
a  lateral  membranous  fold;  spiracles  present;  gill-slits  small,  between 
the  electric  organs  and  the  head ;  electric  organs  composed  of  vertical, 
hexagonal  tubes  between  the  pectoral  fins  and  the  head,  externally 
indicated  by  grooves  in  skin,  showing  the  hexagonal  shape  of  the  tubes ; 
nasal  valves  confluent,  forming  a  quadrangular  lobe ;  skin  soft,  naked ; 
dorsal  fins  two,  one  or  none ;  caudal  fin  not  lobed. 

KEY   TO   THE    GENERA. 

a.  Dorsal  fins  2;  tail  long,  with  lateral  folds. 

b.  Ventral  fins  separate ;  spiracles  close  behind  eyes. 

Narcine,  p.  72. 
bb.     Ventral  fins  adnate  to  body;  spiracles  close  behind  eyes. 

Discopyge,  p.  74. 

15.  Genus  Narcine  Henle. 

Narcine  Henle,  Ueber  Narcine,   1834,  31    (type   Torpedo  brasiliensis 

Olfers). 
Cyclonarce  Gill,  Ann.  Lye.  Nat.  Hist.  N.  Y.,  VII,  1861,  387   (type 

Raja  timlei  Bloch  &  Schneider). 
Gonionarce  Gill,  Ann.  Lye.  Nat.  Hist.  N.  Y.,  VII,  1861,  387  (type 

Narcine  indica  Henle) . 

Disk  nearly  circular;  tail  moderate,  with  2  dorsal  fins,  a  well 
developed  caudal  fin  and  with  prominent  lateral  folds ;  spiracles  usually 
close  to  eye,  with  or  without  a  fringe  of  papillae;  mouth  transverse, 
protractile;  teeth  in  narrow  bands,  most  of  them  visible  when  mouth 
is  closed ;  skin  perfectly  smooth ;  ventrals  separate  from  the  disk. 

KEY   TO   THE   SPECIES. 

a.  Spiracles  notably  smaller  than  the  eyes;  interorbital  space 
rather  narrow,  2.45  in  preocular  part  of  snout;  ventral  fins 
rather  short,  reaching  less  than  half  the  distance  from  posterior 
edge  of  disk  to  base  of  caudal.  brasiliensis,  p.  73. 

aa.  Spiracles  much  larger  than  the  eyes;  interorbital  space  broad, 
1.75  in  preocular  part  of  snout;  ventral  fins  large,  broad, 
reaching  about  half  way  from  posterior  edge  of  disk  to  caudal 
fin.  entemedor,  p.  74. 


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DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     73 

31.  Narcine  brasiliensis  (Olfers).     (Plate  III.) 

Torpedo  brasiliensis  Olfers,  Torpedo,  1831,  19,  PI.  II,  fig.  4  (Brazil). 

Torpedo  bancrofti  Griffith,  in  Cuvier,  Animal  Kingdom,  X,  1834,  649, 

PI.  XXXIV  (Jamaica). 
Narcine  brasiliensis  Henle,  Ueber  Narcine,  1834,  31,  PI.  I,  figs.  1-2; 

Miiller  &  Henle,  Plagiostomen,   1841,  129;  Jordan  &  Evermann, 

Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  78,  PI.  XIII,  figs.  35  &  35a; 

Carman,   Memoir.    Mus.   Comp.    Zool.,   XXXVI,    1913,   297,   PL 

XXVI,  figs.  2  &  3. 

Narcine  nigra  Dumeril,  Rev.  Mag.  Zool.,  IV,  1852,  272  (Brazil). 
Torpedo  pictus  Gronow,  Cat.  Fish,  1854,  13  (Antilles). 
Narcine  corallina  Carman,  Bull.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  VIII,  1881,  234 

(Florida). 
Narcine  umbrosa  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,   1884,   IO5    (Key 

West). 
Narcine  brasiliensis  bancrofti  Carman,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool., 

XXXVI,  1913,  298,  PI.  XXVI,  fig.  2. 
Narcine  brasiliensis  corallina  Carman,  Memoir.  Mus.   Comp.  Zool., 

XXXVI,  1913,  298,  PI.  XXVI,  fig.  3. 

Disk  nearly  circular,  its  width  a  little  greater  than  its  length;  tail 
short,  rather  stout,  depressed,  with  a  well  developed  membranous 
fold  on  each  side,  extending  forward  to  end  of  first  dorsal,  distance 
from  vent  to  tip  of  caudal  fin  a  little  more  than  half  the  total  length ; 
eyes  moderate,  not  very  remote,  the  interspace  2.45  in  preocular  part 
of  snout;  spiracles  nearly  as  large  as  eyes,  immediately  behind  orbit, 
surrounded  by  a  row  of  prominent  papillae;  nostrils  rather  small,  near 
the  mouth,  confluent;  mouth  rather  small,  transverse,  its  width  2.5 
in  preocular  part  of  snout,  slightly  behind  vertical  from  anterior 
margin  of  eyes,  preoral  length  .9  in  preocular  part  of  snout;  teeth 
small,  the  bands  narrow,  each  tooth  with  a  small  pointed  denticle, 
directed  inward;  skin  perfectly  smooth;  origin  of  first  dorsal  at 
vertical  from  end  of  base  of  ventrals ;  second  dorsal  similar  to  the 
first  and  of  equal  size,  reaching  beyond  base  of  caudal  fin  when 
depressed ;  caudal  fin  nearly  as  deep  as  long,  nearly  straight  on  posterior 
margin,  the  upper  angle  a  little  longer  and  more  acute  than  the 
lower ;  ventral  fins  broad,  free  from  pectorals,  with  convex  margins ; 
claspers  of  male,  216  mm.  long,  reaching  end  of  fin,  less  than  half 
the  distance  from  posterior  margin  of  disk  to  base  of  caudal. 

Color  nearly  uniform  dark  grayish  above;  pale  below;  a  dark 
triangular  area  in  advance  of  each  eye;  the  margin  of  the  ventral 
fins  pale  when  seen  from  above. 


74    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

A  single  specimen,  215  mm.  in  length,  was  seined  from  shallow 
water.  Much  color  variation  exists  among  specimens,  the  one  at 
hand  being  among  the  most  uniformly  colored  ones.  Some  specimens 
are  grayish  or  brownish  and  are  marked  with  darker  bars  and  blotches, 
others  are  orange  or  red  with  dark  brown  bands  and  spots,  and  still 
others  are  marked  by  rings  formed  by  small  dark  dots. 

Known  from  North  Carolina  to  Brazil.  Our  specimen  is  from 
Colon. 

32.  Narcine  entemedor  Jordan  &  Starks. 

Narcine  entemedor  Jordan  &  Starks,  in  Jordan,  Proc.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  2nd 
Ser.,  V,  1895,  386  (Mazatlan)  ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac. 
Sci. ^  IV,  1904,  15  (Panama  Bay). 

This  ray,  although  twice  taken  and  recorded  from  Panama  Bay, 
was  not  seen  by  us.  It  appears  to  differ  from  N.  brasiliensis  in  having 
spiracles  which  are  much  larger  than  the  eyes,  instead  of  notably 
smaller;  the  interorbital  space  appears  to  be  wider,  being  contained 
1.75  in  preocular  part  of  snout;  the  mouth  is  probably  a  little  wider, 
2.25  in  preocular  part  of  snout;  and  the  ventral  fins  appear  to  be 
broader  and  longer,  ending  midway  between  posterior  edge  of  disk 
and  caudal  fin.  The  color  is  pale  olive-brown,  a  little  clouded  with 
darker ;  head  with  dusky  dots ;  second  dorsal  edged  with  pale. 

16.  Genus  Discopyge  Tschudi. 

Discopyge    Tschudi,    Fauna    Peruana,     1846,    32     (type    Discopyge 

tschudii  Tschudi). 

Disk  circular,  about  half  the  total  length;  preoral  section  short; 
a  large  electric  organ  between  head  and  each  pectoral ;  mouth  small ; 
teeth  small,  in  narrow  bands;  nostrils  near  the  mouth,  confluent;  eyes 
small ;  spiracles  immediately  behind  eyes ;  gill-slits  narrow ;  skin 
entirely  smooth ;  tail  depressed,  with  prominent  lateral  folds ;  dorsal 
fins  2,  subequal ;  ventral  fins  large,  free  from  the  disk. 

33.  Discopyge  ommata  Jordan  &  Gilbert. 

Discopyge  ommata  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  in  Jordan  &  Bollman,  Proc.  U.  S. 

Nat.  Mus.,  1889,  151   (Panama  Bay)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull. 

U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,XLVII,  1896,  78;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal. 

Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  15. 

Disk  subcircular,  little  wider  than  long;  snout  broadly  rounded; 
eyes  small;  spiracles  smaller  than  the  eyes,  close  behind  orbit,  fringed 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     75 

with  prominent  papillae;  mouth  transverse,  rather  small;  teeth  flat, 
each  with  a  small  denticle,  directed  inward;  origin  of  first  dorsal  a 
little  in  advance  of  axil  of  ventrals;  second  dorsal  a  little  narrower 
than  the  first;  caudal  fin  rounded,  the  upper  angle  a  little  longer  than 
the  lower ;  ventral  fins  very  broad,  adnate  behind,  ending  about  midway 
between  their  origin  and  tip  of  caudal  fin. 

This  species,  although  taken  at  Panama  twice,  was  not  seen  there 
by  us. 

Known  only  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama. 

Family  XIII.    Dasybatidae. 

THE  STING  RAYS. 

Body,  head  and  pectorals  depressed,  altogether  forming  a  broad 
disk,  the  pectorals  meeting  in  front  of  the  cranium  without  a  supporting 
rostral  cartilage;  spiracles  large,  close  behind  eye;  nasal  valves  with 
a  broad  flap,  confluent  across  a  narrow  isthmus  and  reaching  mouth; 
mouth  transverse,  more  or  less  curved;  teeth  small,  numerous,  in 
pavement,  usually  with  ridges  or  tubercles ;  gill-slits  small ;  skin  smooth 
or  rough  with  spines  or  tubercles  or  both;  tail  distinct,  sometimes 
very  long  and  whip-like,  sometimes  short,  bearing  a  serrated  spine 
in  nearly  all  the  genera,  sometimes  bearing  a  single  dorsal  and  usually 
a  vertical  fold  of  skin  either  above  or  below,  or  both ;  ventrals  small, 
placed  below  posterior  part  of  pectorals. 

KEY   TO   THE   GENERA. 

a.  Tail  very  long,  whip-like,  without  a  fin  fold  at  end. 

Dasybatus,  p.  75- 

aa.     Tail  about  equal  to  or  longer  than  disk,  but  not  whip-like ;  rayed 
caudal  fin  present. 

b.  Caudal  fin  narrow,  more  or  less  pointed;  tail  longer  than  the 
disk.  Urotrygon,  p.  82. 

bb.     Caudal  fin  broader,  broadly  convex  posteriorly;  tail  a  little 

shorter  than  the  disk.  Urobatis,  p.  85. 

aaa.  Tail  very  small,  much  shorter  than  the  disk,  without  a  rayed  fin. 

Pteroplatea,  p.  86. 

17.  Genus  Dasybatus  Klein. 

Dasybatus  Klein,  Hist.  Pise.  Miss.,  Ill,  1742,  34;  and  Neuer  Schau- 
platz,  etc.,  I,  1775,  991  (type  Dasybatus  marinus  Klein). 


76   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Dasyatis  Rafinesque,  Caratteri,  etc.,  1810,  16  (type  Dasyatis  ujo  Rafin- 

esque). 
Trigonobatus   Blainville,   Bull.   Soc.    Philom.,    1816,    112    (type   Raia 

pastinaca  Linnaeus). 

Trygon  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  I,  II,  1817,  136  (type  Raia  pas- 
tinaca Linnaeus). 

Disk  subquadrangular  to  subcircular ;  tail  long,  whip-like,  with  a 
strong  serrated  spine,  with  or  without  dermal  fin  folds  behind  the 
spine;  upper  surface  of  disk  and  tail  usually  more  or  less  spinous  or 
prickly,  rarely  smooth ;  mouth  usually  with  a  few  papillae  on  the  inside 
at  base  of  lower  jaw ;  teeth  small,  paved ;  no  rayed  dorsal  fin,  pectorals 
meeting  in  front  of  skull. 

KEY    TO   THE   SPECIES. 

a.  Tail  with  a  narrow  free  membranous  fold  above  and  a  broader 
one  below. 

b.  Disk  quadrangular,  the  antero-lateral  margins  straight,  meeting 
in  a  broad  angle  at  tip  of  snout;  snout  not  exserted,  blunt. 

say,  P-  77- 

bb.     Disk  subcircular,  the  antero-lateral  margins  slightly  concave; 
tip  of  snout  prominently  produced,  pointed.        sabinus,  p.  77- 
aa.     Tail  with  a  low  keel  above  and  a  free  fold  below. 

c.  Tip  of  snout  produced,  extending  in  the  form  of  a  broad- 
based  triangle  beyond  the  antero-lateral  margins  of  the  disk; 
tail  nearly  3  times  the  length  of  the  disk;  back  with  a  median 
row  of  prominent,  depressed  spines,  extending  from  head  to 
caudal  spine,  a  short  row  of  spines  on  each  soulder. 

guttatus,  p.  78. 

cc.  Snout  not  notably  produced,  the  antero-lateral  margins  of 
disk  meeting  in  a  broad  angle  at  tip  of  snout. 

d.  Tail  more  than  2  times  the  length  of  the  disk;  a  median  row 
of  blunt  spines  extending  from  head  to  shoulder  girdle,  2  spines 
far  removed,  much  farther  back,  and  i  or  2  spines  on  each 
shoulder ;  skin  otherwise  perfectly  smooth.  longus,  p.  79. 

dd.  Tail  less  than  2  times  the  length  of  the  disk;  skin  smooth  in 
young,  adults  with  a  median  row  of  depressed  tubercles  on 
back  and  a  short  row  on  each  shoulder.  hastatus,  p.  80. 

aaa.  Tail  without  a  keel  or  fold  above,  with  a  low  keel  below ;  disk 
nearly  circular ;  upper  surface  covered  with  low  broad  tubercles, 
one  greatly  enlarged  tubercle  with  radiating  grooves  on  each 
shoulder.  schmardce,  p.  81. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     77 

34.  Dasybatus  say  (Le  Sueur). 

Raja  say  Le  Sueur,  Journ.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  I,  1817,  42,  with  plate 

(New  Jersey). 

Trygon  sayi  Miiller  &  Henle,  Plagiostomen,  1841,  166. 
Myliobatis  sayi  De  Kay,  Fauna  N.  Y.,  Fishes,  1842,  376. 
Dasyatis  sayi  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI,  1883,  4& 
Dasybatus  say  Garman,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI,  1913, 

396. 

Disk  quadrangular,  a  little  wider  than  long,  the  antero-Iateral 
margin  straight,  meeting  in  a  blunt  angle  at  tip  of  snout,  the  outer 
and  posterior  angles  rounded ;  mouth  with  5  papillae  at  base ;  body  and 
tail  smooth,  with  3  spines  on  median  line  of  back  behind  head  and  3 
on  base  of  tail;  tail  about  1.75  times  the  length  of  the  disk,  with  a 
strong  serrated  spine,  a  short  low  fold  behind  the  spine  and  a  longer 
and  broader  one  below  the  tail,  extending  backward  from  the  base  of 
the  spine ;  ventrals  rounded,  reaching  well  beyond  the  disk. 

Color  yellowish  brown  above;  whitish  below. 

This  species  was  not  seen  on  the  isthmus  by  us  and  it  is  not  recorded 
from  there,  but  its  range  brings  it  within  the  scope  of  the  present  work. 
The  above  description  is  based  on  a  specimen  from  Texas,  310  mm. 
in  length,  the  disk  being  125  mm.  long  and  130  mm.  broad. 

Known  from  New  York  southward  to  Brazil. 

35.  Dasybatus  sabinus  (Le  Sueur). 

Trygon  sabina  Le  Sueur,  Journ.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  IV,  1824,  109 

(Florida). 

Dasyatis  sabinus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI,  1883, 49, 
Dasibatis  sabina  Garman,  in  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XVI,  1883,  68. 
Dasybatus  sabinus  Garman,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI,  1913, 

397- 

Disk  circular  at  sides,  antero-Iateral  margins  slightly  concave,  the 

tip  of  snout  rather  pointed  and  notably  exserted;  mouth  wavy,  with 
5  small  papillae  at  base;  top  of  head  and  median  portion  of  the  back 
sometimes  roughened  by  small  spines  and  usually  with  a  row  of  sharp, 
elongate,  tubercles  on  median  line  of  back  and  I  or  a  pair  on  each 
shoulder,  the  specimen  at  hand  is  perfectly  smooth,  having  a  single 
elongate,  tubercles  on  median  line  of  back  and  i  or  a  pair  on  each 
of  body,  depressed  from  base  of  caudal  spine,  from  thence  round; 
caudal  spine  large  and  strongly  serrate,  with  a  narrow  dermal  fold 
above,  back  of  spine,  and  a  much  broader  one  below;  the  tail  usually 


78   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

rough  with  prickles,  but  not  in  the  specimen  before  us;  ventral  fins 
reaching  beyond  disk,  the  outer  angle  rather  sharp,  the  inner  angle 
rounded. 

Color  brownish  above,  the  wing-like  expansions  paler  ;  white  below. 
The  species  is  not  recorded  from  the  Isthmus  of  Panama  and  it  was 
not  taken  there  by  us,  but  its  range  of  distribution  brings  it  within 
the  scope  of  the  present  work.  The  above  description  is  based  on  a 
specimen  from  Florida,  320  mm.  in  length,  the  disk  being  160  mm. 
long  and  175  mm.  broad. 

Known  from  North  Carolina  to  Brazil,  entering  fresh  water. 

36.  Dasybatus  guttatus  (Bloch  &  Schneider). 

Raja  guttatus  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801,  361  (Brazil). 

Trygon  gymnura  Miiller,  Ermann's  Reise  um  die  Erde,  1835,  25,  PI. 

XIII    (Brazil). 
Trygon  tuberculata  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  VIII,  1870,  480 

(In  part). 
Dasibatis  tuberculata  Carman,  in  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XVI,  1883,  66. 
Dasyatis  gymnura  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  84. 
Dasybatus  guttatus  Carman,  Memoir.   Mus.   Comp.   Zool.,  XXXVI, 


Disk  more  or  less  quadrangular,  a  little  broader  than  long,  the 
length  i.i  in  the  width,  the  antero-lateral  margins  straight,  tip  of 
snout  notably  produced  and  extending  in  the  form  of  a  broad-based 
triangle  beyond  the  straight  antero-lateral  margins  of  the  disk;  eyes 
moderate,  rather  remote,  interorbital  space  2.05  in  preocular  part  of 
snout;  spiracles  about  as  large  as  eyes  and  immediately  below  and 
behind  the  orbit;  nostrils  directly  in  front  of  mouth,  with  a  broad 
flap  reaching  mouth;  mouth  transverse,  abruptly  curved,  the  lower 
jaw  with  a  broad  notch  on  median  line  and  the  upper  one  with  a 
tip  projecting  into  the  notch,  3  papillae  on  inside  of  mouth  at  base 
of  lower  jaw,  width  of  mouth  2.9  in  preocular  length  of  snout  ;  teeth  in 
pavement,  smooth,  more  or  less  diamond-shaped;  gill-slits  small,  the 
longest  about  ^3  the  length  of  eye;  a  median  row  of  prominent, 
depressed  spines  on  median  line  of  back,  extending  from  nape  nearly 
to  origin  of  caudal  spine,  increasing  in  length  posteriorly  ;  a  row  of  2  to  4 
short  spines  on  humeral  region  opposite  the  intersection  of  the  median 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     79 

line  and  the  shoulder  girdle ;  skin  on  interorbital  and  median  portion  of 
back  with  short,  broad  tubercles,  the  tail  beyond  caudal  spine  also 
roughened  by  short  tubercles ;  tail  nearly  3  times  the  length  of  disk, 
1.35  in  total  length,  depressed  in  advance  of  caudal  spine,  thence 
round,  with  a  low  keel  above  for  a  short  distance  behind  caudal 
spine,  below  with  a  free  fin  fold,  extending  forward  to  base  of  caudal 
spine;  ventral  fins  rather  high  anteriorly,  the  posterior  margin  and 
angle  rounded. 

Color  uniform  pale  gray  above ;  white  below ;  fin  folds  black. 

One  specimen,  a  female,  1040  mm.  in  total  length,  was  secured. 

Known  from  the  West  Indies  to  Brazil.  Our  specimen  is  from 
the  Colon  fish  market. 


37.  Dasybatus  longus  (Carman). 

Trygon    longa    Carman,    Bull.    Mus.    Comp.    Zool.,    VI,    1880,    170 

(Acapulco;  Panama). 
Dasibatis  longa  Carman,  in  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XVI,  1883,  66. 
Dasyatis  longa  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  85;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  17 

(Panama). 
Dasybatus  longus  Carman,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI,  1913, 

390,  PL  XXXII,  figs.  3-4- 

Disk  broader  than  long,  its  greatest  length  1.15  in  its  greatest 
width,  the  antero-lateral  margins  nearly  straight;  the  tip  of  snout 
not  produced,  the  margins  meeting  in  a  blunt  angle ;  eyes  moderate, 
rather  remote,  the  interspace  2.6  in  preocular  part  of  snout;  spiracles 
scarcely  as  large  as  eyes,  situated  immediately  below  and  behind  orbit, 
rather  elongate,  with  a  sharp  angle  anteriorly  and  posteriorly ;  nostrils 
directly  in  front  of  mouth,  with  a  broad  fold  extending  from  nostril 
to  nostril  and  back  to  the  gape;  mouth  small,  transverse,  its  width 
2.5  in  preocular  part  of  snout;  teeth  small,  more  or  less  definitely 
diamond-shaped,  in  pavement,  without  cusps ;  gill-slits  small,  the 
longest  slightly  exceeding  half  the  length  of  eye;  a  median  row  of 
blunt  spines  behind  head,  extending  to  intersection  of  median  line 
with  shoulder  girdle,  2  spines  much  farther  back  and  i  or  2  very 
short  blunt  spines  on  humeral  region  opposite  the  intersection  of  the 
median  line  and  shoulder  girdle;  body  and  tail  elsewhere  perfectly 
smooth;  tail  more  than  twice  the  length  of  disk,  1.35  in  total  length, 
depressed  in  advance  of  caudal  spine  and  compressed  for  same  distance 


8o  FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

behind  it,  thence  round;  upper  edge  of  tail  behind  spine  for  some 
distance  with  a  low  keel,  below  an  evident  free  fold  (about  3  mm. 
high  in  a  specimen  1060  mm.  in  total  length),  extending  forward  to 
below  base  of  caudal  spine;  ventral  fins  rather  high  anteriorly, 
reduced  rapidly  in  length  posteriorly,  the  posterior  margin  rounded. 

Color  uniform  brown  above;  pale  below;  the  fin  folds  on  tail  black. 

One  specimen,  a  female,  1060  mm.  in  length  was  secured.  If  the 
specimens  identified  as  this  species  are  all  identical,  a  large  variation 
exists  in  the  number  and  position  of  spines  on  the  back  and  tail,  our 
specimen  being  among  the  smoothest  known.  Most  of  the  specimens 
described  have  small  prickles  on  the  tail  and  also  on  the  interorbital 
and  median  area  of  the  back,  which  are  wholly  wanting  in  the  specimen 
at  hand. 

Known  from  the  Gulf  of  California  to  Panama.  Our  specimen 
is  from  the  Panama  City  market. 

38.  Dasybatus  hastatus  (De  Kay). 

Pastinaca  hastata  De  Kay,  Fauna  N.  Y.,  Fishes,  1842,  373,  PI.  LXV, 

fig.  214  (Rhode  Island). 

Ttygon  hastata  Storer,  Memoir.  Amer.  Ac.,  New  Ser.,  II,  1846,  261. 
Dasibatis  hastata  Carman,  in  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XVI,  1883,  70. 
Dasyatis  hastata  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  83. 
Dasybatus  hastatus  Garman,  Memoir.  Mus.   Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI, 


Disk  quadrangular,  about  %  wider  than  long,  the  antero-lateral 
margins  nearly  straight,  meeting  in  a  blunt  angle  at  tip  of  snout,  outer 
and  hinder  angles  rounded  ;  mouth  with  3  papillae  ;  jaws  rather  strongly 
curved  ;  body  smooth  in  young,  adults  with  scattered  small  spines  and 
with  a  vertebral  row  of  narrow  depressed  tubercles,  directed  backward, 
a  short  row  of  tubercles  on  each  shoulder,  parallel  with  the  median 
row;  tail  about  1.5  times  the  length  of  the  disk,  with  a  low  keel  above 
behind  the  spine  and  a  long  deep  fold  below  extending  from  the  base 
of  the  spine  backward  ;  ventral  almost  entirely  covered  by  the  pectorals, 
their  hinder  margins  convex. 

Color  bluish  or  olivaceous. 

This  species  was  not  seen  by  us,  but  its  range  brings  it  within  the 
scope  of  the  present  work. 

Known  from  Rhode  Island  to  Brazil. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     81 

39.  Dasybatus  schmardae  (Werner). 

Trygon  schmarda  Werner,  Zool.  Jahrbuch  (Syst.  Abth.),  XXI,  1904, 

298  (Jamaica). 
Dasybatus  schmardce  Carman,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI, 


Disk  nearly  round,  slightly  broader  than  long,  the  greatest  length 
1.05  in  the  greatest  width,  the  very  small,  narrow  tip  of  snout  slightly 
exserted;  eyes  small;  interorbital  space  1.5  in  preocular  part  of  snout; 
spiracles  more  than  twice  as  large  as  eyes,  situated  immediately  below 
and  behind  orbit;  nostrils  directly  in  front  of  mouth,  with  a  broad 
flap  reaching  the  gape;  mouth  transverse,  a  little  wavy,  the  lower 
jaw  with  a  small  indentation  at  the  symphysis  and  the  upper  jaw 
with  a  tip  projecting  into  it,  width  of  mouth  2.45  to  2.85  in  preocular 
part  of  snout;  5  papillae  inside  of  mouth  at  base  of  lower  jaw;  teeth 
small,  in  pavement,  with  rough  surface;  gill-slits  small,  the  longest 
about  the  length  of  eye;  upper  surface  of  disk  and  tail  spinose,  with 
short,  rough  tubercles,  larger  on  the  back  and  tail  than  on  the  distal 
parts  of  the  disk;  the  spines  on  the  tail  of  about  the  same  size  as 
those  on  median  portion  of  back;  2  greatly  enlarged  tubercles  or 
bucklers  on  the  humeral  region,  opposite  the  intersection  of  the  median 
line  and  the  shoulder  girdle,  the  point  on  median  line  between  the 
bucklers  being  very  nearly  the  center  of  the  disk;  distance  between 
the  bucklers  equal  to  ^  the  width  of  internarial  space;  spines  round, 
with  radiating  grooves,  diameter  exceeding  Yz  the  length  of  eye;  the 
largest  specimen  at  hand  with  a  second  enlarged  tubercle,  immediately 
behind  the  first  one,  but  much  smaller,  this  spine  not  evident  in  the 
smaller  specimen;  caudal  spine  long,  strongly  serrate;  tail  notably 
depressed  in  advance  of  the  spine,  thence  round,  with  prominent 
lateral  folds  at  base;  no  keel  or  fold  above  tail  behind  spine  and 
only  a  very  low  keel  below;  the  length  of  tail  not  quite  twice  the 
length  of  the  disk,  1.5  in  total  length;  ventral  fins  broad,  broadly 
convex,  the  anterior  angle  not  reaching  beyond  disk,  their  upper 
surface  smooth. 

Color  uniform  dark  brown  above;  pale  underneath;  teeth  very 
dark. 

Two  large  female  specimens,  930  and  1300  mm.  in  length,  and 
with  disk  355  and  560  mm.  long  and  370  and  568  mm.  broad,  were 
secured.  They  appear  to  belong  to  a  species  known  only  from  the 
type  which  was  rather  imperfectly  described. 

Recorded  only  from  Jamaica.  Our  specimens  are  from  Toro 
Point  and  Mindi  Cut  in  the  Panama  Canal. 


82    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

18.  Genus  Urotrygon  Gill. 

Urotrygon  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1863,  173  (type  Urotrygon 

mundus  Gill). 

Disk  subcircular,  angles  and  margins  rounded,  snout  more  or  less 
produced;  mouth  somewhat  waved;  teeth  numerous,  crown  broader 
than  long;  tail  longer  than  body,  slender  posteriorly,  with  a  serrated 
spine  near  middle;  caudal  fin  narrow,  pointed;  no  dorsal  fin;  back 
with  or  without  a  median  series  of  spines  or  tubercles;  ventral  fins 
more  or  less  triangular,  the  anterior  rays  much  longer  than  the 
posterior  ones,  directed  laterally. 

KEY   TO   THE   SPECIES. 

a.  No  enlarged  spines  or  tubercles  on  the  median  line  of  the 
back;  upper  surface  of  disk  closely  beset  with  short  prickles, 
largest  on  the  back.  mundus,  p.  82. 

aa.  One  to  8  or  a  continuous  series  of  enlarged  spines  on  median 
line  of  back  and  base  of  tail  (wanting  in  very  young)  ;  skin 
smooth  or  more  or  less  prickly. 

b.  A  continuous  series  of  spines  on  median  line  of  back,  extending 
from  head  to  caudal  spine;  skin  beset  with  short  prickles. 

asterias,  p.  83. 
bb.     No  continuous  series  of  spines  on  median  line  of  back. 

c.  One  or  2  strong  spines  on  middle  of  back,  no  spines  on  tail; 
skin  smooth  or  somewhat  prickly.  goodei,  p.  84. 

cc.  One  to  8  sharp  spines  on  tail  in  advance  of  caudal  spine ;  skin 
smooth.  aspidurus,  p.  85. 

40.  Urotrygon  mundus  Gill.    (Plate  IV.) 

Urotrygon    mundus    Gill,    Proc.    Ac.    Nat.    Sci.    Phila.,    1863,    173 

(Panama)  ;  Garman,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI,  1913, 

406,  PI.  XXX,  figs,  i  and  2  (In  part;  plate  U.  mundus). 
Urolophus  mundus  Jordan   &   Evermann,    Bull.   U.    S.    Nat.    Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  81. 

Disk  somewhat  angular,  the  antero-lateral  margins  slightly  convex, 
the  tip  of  snout  very  feebly  produced,  ending  in  a  broad  angle,  the 
margins  elsewhere  circular,  a  little  broader  than  long,  the  width  .95 
in  the  greatest  length;  eyes  not  very  remote,  the  interspace  3.8  in 
preocular  part  of  snout;  spiracles  a  little  larger  than  the  eyes  and 
situated  immediately  behind  the  orbits;  mouth  scarcely  arched,  its 
width  2.45  in  preocular  part  of  snout;  teeth  in  pavement,  more  or 


OF  THt 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     83 

less  diamond  shaped,  without  cusps;  upper  surface  of  disk  and  tail 
everywhere  with  prominent  prickles,  largest  on  the  back,  stronger 
and  more  prominent  than  in  U.  asterias;  no  enlarged  spines  on  median 
line  of  back ;  tail  as  long  as  the  disk,  strongly  depressed  at  base,  with 
a  slight  lateral  keel;  caudal  spine  large,  reaching  the  origin  of  the 
caudal  fin  fold;  caudal  fin  narrow,  rounded;  ventral  fins  broad,  the 
posterior  margin  nearly  straight. 

Color  uniform  grayish. 

A  single  female  specimen,  215  mm.  in  length,  with  a  disk  113  mm. 
broad  and  no  mm.  long,  was  sent  by  Mr.  Robert  Tweedlie.  This  ray 
not  only  differs  from  U.  asterias  in  the  absence  of  large,  sharp  spines 
on  the  median  line  of  the  back,  but  also  in  having  more  prominent  and 
rougher  prickles  on  the  disk.  The  disk  is  somewhat  less  strongly 
angular,  the  snout  is  less  prominently  produced,  the  mouth  is  smaller 
and  the  spiracles  are  placed  higher.  The  species  appears  to  be  rare. 

Known  only  from  Panama.  The  specimen  at  hand  is  from  Chame 
Point. 

41.  Urotrygon  asterias  (Jordan  &  Gilbert). 

Urolophus  asterias  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882, 

579  (Mazatlan;  Panama);  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  82. 
Urolophus  mundus  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904, 

1 6  (Panama;  not  of  Gill). 
Urotrygon  mundus  Carman,   Memoir.   Mus.   Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI, 

1913,  406,  PI.  XXX,  figs.  1-2  (In  part). 

Disk  angular,  the  antero-lateral  margins  nearly  straight,  the  tip 
of  snout  produced,  pointed,  the  lateral  and  posterior  margins  rounded, 
disk  broader  than  long,  the  wing-like  expansions  proportionately 
greater  in  the  adult  than  in  the  young,  width  of  disk  .85  to  .95  in  its 
greatest  length;  eyes  moderate,  rather  remote,  the  interspace  2.6  to 
2.9  in  preocular  part  of  snout;  spiracles  immediately  behind  and  below 
orbit,  about  equal  in  size  to  the  eye;  mouth  slightly  arched,  its  width 
2.15  to  2.2  in  preocular  part  of  snout;  teeth  in  pavement,  diamond 
shaped,  without  cusps;  upper  surface  of  disk  and  tail  everywhere 
with  short  prickles  and  a  median  row  of  enlarged  spines,  extending 
from  head  to  base  of  caudal  spine;  tail  about  equal  to  the  length  of 
the  disk,  depressed  at  base  and  with  a  low  lateral  keel;  caudal  spine 
strong,  reaching  origin  of  the  caudal  fin  fold;  caudal  fin  rather 
narrow,  ending  in  a  broad  point;  ventral  fins  short  and  broad,  with 
nearly  straight  posterior  margin. 


84  FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Color  grayish  above,  white  below.  Our  largest  specimen  with 
irregular  dark  spots. 

Two  female  specimens,  132  and  425  mm.  in  length,  with  a  disk 
73  and  244  mm.  broad  and  69  and  210  mm.  long,  were  secured.  Two 
well  developed  embryos,  a  male  and  a  female,  were  removed  from 
the  large  specimen.  The  upper  surface  of  the  embryos  is  perfectly 
smooth,  but  the  caudal  spine  is  well  developed.  Our  small  specimen 
has  the  prickles  and  spines  on  the  upper  surface  quite  prominently 
developed,  but  it  agrees  with  the  embryos  in  being  uniform  grayish 
in  color,  without  indications  of  spots.  This  species  has  been  confused 
by  recent  authors  with  U.  mundus,  the  type  of  which  is  lost,  but  the 
description  of  U.  mundus  does  not  mention  the  presence  of  a  median 
row  of  spines  on  the  back,  although  it  is  stated  that  the  skin  is  beset 
with  numerous  tubercles  which  are  largest  on  the  back.  The  presence 
or  absence  of  a  median  row  of  spines  on  the  back  was  considered 
either  of  no  specific  value  or  it  was  supposed  that  they  were  present, 
although  not  mentioned  in  the  description  of  the  type  of  U.  mundus. 
We,  however,  are  unable  to  agree  with  these  authors,  as  we  have  before 
us  specimens  of  both  forms  which  we  must  regard  as  distinct. 

Known  from  Mazatlan  to  Panama  Bay.  Our  specimens  are  from 
Naos  Island  and  the  Panama  City  fish  market. 

42.  Urotrygon  goodei  (Jordan  &  Bollman). 

Urolophus  goodei  Jordan  &  Bollman,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1889, 

151   (Panama  Bay)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  81. 
Urotrygon  goodei  Carman,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI,  1913, 

405- 

This  species  has  been  taken  in  Panama  Bay  by  the  Albatross  at  a 
depth  of  33  fathoms.  It  was  not  seen  by  us.  The  following  description 
is  from  Jordan  &  Evermann  (1896)  : 

"Disk  broader  than  long,  by  a  distance  equal  to  snout  and  ^2 
eye;  front  margins  of  disk  slightly  convex,  the  tip  of  snout  exserted 
and  sharply  pointed,  its  length  3^  in  length  of  disk;  eye  equal  to 
spiracle,  3%  in  snout;  edge  of  spiracles  entire;  width  of  mouth  2  in 
snout  before  it;  ventrals  projecting  beyond  disk,  their  length  1^4 
in  their  breadth.  Caudal  spine  large,  as  long  as  snout  and  YT.  eye, 
its  edge  with  8  to  10  retrorse  spinules,  its  insertion  before  middle  of 
tail  (from  axil  of  pectoral),  its  tip  reaching  front  of  caudal;  tail 
longer  than  disk  by  a  distance  equal  to  eye  and  spiracle ;  skin  smooth 
or  somewhat  prickly  on  upper  surface  of  snout;  I  or  2  strong  spines 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     85 

on  middle  of  back.     Color  plain  brown,  nearly  uniform,  the  margins 
bright  yellow  in  life." 

Recorded  from  Panama  Bay  and  Bay  of  St.  Helena  near  Guayaquil. 

43.  Urotrygon  aspidurus  (Jordan  &  Gilbert). 

Urolophus  aspidurus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  I,  1881 

(1882),  307  (Panama  Bay)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  81 ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci., 

IV,  1904,  1 6  (Panama  Bay)  ;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus. 

Comp.  Zool.,  XXXV,  1912,  80  (Panama  Bay). 
Urotrygon  aspidurus  Garman,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI, 

1913,  405,  PI.  LXIX,  fig.  3  (skeleton). 

Disk  somewhat  broader  than  long,  angular,  the  antero-lateral 
margins  nearly  straight,  the  tip  of  snout  usually  greatly  produced, 
variable,  the  lateral  and  posterior  outlines  rounded ;  eyes  rather  remote, 
the  interspace  2.75  to  3  in  preocular  part  of  snout ;  spiracles  elongate,  a 
little  larger  than  eyes  and  placed  immediately  behind  and  below  the 
orbit ;  mouth  arched  forward ;  teeth  in  pavement,  with  prominent  cusps 
in  the  type,  a  young  male,  with  prominent  ridges  but  no  cusp  in 
females,  one  smaller  and  also  one  larger  than  the  type;  disk  smooth; 
tail  in  advance  of  caudal  spine,  with  i  to  8  sharp  spines,  increasing 
in  number  with  age  and  entirely  undeveloped  in  very  young;  tail  a 
little  longer  than  the  disk,  strongly  depressed  at  base;  caudal  spine 
moderate,  not  quite  reaching  the  beginning  of  caudal  fin  fold;  caudal 
fin  rather  narrow,  rounded;  ventral  fins  rather  narrow  in  the  male, 
broader  in  the  female,  the  outer  angle  acute,  inner  angle  rounded,  the 
posterior  margin  nearly  straight. 

Color  uniform  brown,  the  margins  of  the  disk  somewhat  paler; 
white  underneath. 

This  species,  although  reported  abundant  at  Panama  by  Gilbert 
&  Starks,  was  not  obtained  by  us.  We  have  examined  the  type  and  2 
other  specimens  from  Panama. 

Known  only  from  Panama  Bay. 

19.  Genus  Urobatis  Garman. 

Urobatis  Garman,  Memoir.   Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI,    1913,  401 

(type  Leiobatus  sloani  Blainville). 

This  genus  in  external  characters  appears  to  differ  from  Urotrygon 
in  having  a  broader  caudal  fin,  which  is  rayed  and  rounded  posteriorly ; 
tail  shorter,  not  longer  than  the  body;  and  the  broader  ventrals  which 


86   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

are  directed  backward.  Carman  states  that  the  embryo  has  no  orbital 
process,  which  is  present  in  Urotrygon,  but  with  a  long,  slender,  pointed 
post-spiracular  process  on  the  spiracular  tegmen,  which  is  a  short  blunt 
process  in  Urotrygon. 

44.  Urobatis  halleri  (Cooper). 

Urolophus  halleri  Cooper,  Proc.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  Ill,  1863,  95  (San 
Diego)  ;  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882,  621 
(Panama  Bay)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
XLVII,  1896,  80;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  15- 
Urobatis  halleri  Garman,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI,  1913, 


This  species  has  not  been  taken  at  Panama  by  recent  investigators, 
but  it  was  recorded  from  there  by  Jordan  &  Gilbert  in  1882.  It  is 
described  by  Jordan  &  Evermann  (1896)  as  follows: 

"Disk  nearly  round,  a  little  broader  than  long,  with  the  anterior 
margins  straightish,  meeting  in  a  slight  angle.  Snout  (from  the  eyes) 
longer  than  the  width  of  the  interorbital  space;  less  than  %  disk. 
Tail  somewhat  shorter  than  the  disk.  Teeth  obtuse  in  both  sexes. 
Skin  perfectly  smooth,  without  spines  or  prickles." 

Garman  (1913)  offers  the  following,  concerning  color: 

"In  a  lot  of  more  than  a  hundred  examples  secured  by  Professor 
Louis  Agassiz  at  San  Diego,  California,  there  is  a  considerable  amount 
of  individual  variation  in  colors.  Most  of  the  specimens  are  brown 
with  small  spots  of  yellow,  very  small  on  some,  larger  on  others, 
smaller  toward  the  margins,  thickly  strewn  over  the  entire  back  and 
tail  or  occasionally  absent  from  the  middle  of  the  disk.  Less  numerous, 
perhaps,  are  those  brown  with  vermiculations  of  yellow  over  the  whole 
back  or  only  in  the  central  portions.  Some  are  more  yellow  than 
brown  and  on  some  the  brown  is  variously  clouded.  The  back  is 
usually  darkest  in  the  middle  and  on  the  head;  the  fins  are  lighter 
near  and  on  the  margins  ;  the  tail  is  usually  not  darker." 

Known  from  San  Diego,  California,  to  Panama  Bay. 

20.  Genus  Pteroplatea  Miiller  &  Henle. 

Pteroplatea  Miiller  &  Henle,  Stizb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Berlin,  1837,   117, 
and  Plagiostomen,  1841,  168  (type  Raia  altavela  Linnaeus). 
Disk  much  broader  than  long,  its  anterior  margins  meeting  at  very 

obtuse  angle,  its  outer  angles  more  or  less  acute,  the  form,  therefore, 


DEC.  2O>  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     87 

transversely  rhombic;  skin  smooth  or  very  nearly  so;  tail  very  short 
and  slender,  shorter  than  the  disk,  without  rayed  fin,  armed  with  a 
small  serrated  spine  which  is  often  wanting. 

KEY   TO   THE   SPECIES. 

a.       Tail  with  a  distinct  dermal  fold  above  and  a  weaker  one  below. 

micrura,  p.  87. 
aa.     Tail  with  a  slight  dermal  fold  above.         crebripunctata,  p.  87. 

45.  Pteroplatea  micrura  (Bloch  &  Schneider). 

Raia  micrura  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801,  360  (Surinam). 
Raja  maclura  Le  Sueur,  Journ.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  I,  1817,  41,  with 

figure  (Rhode  Island). 

Trygon  maclura  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  II,  II,  1829,  400. 
Pteroplatea  maclura  Miiller  &  Henle,  Plagiostomen,  1841,  169;  Jordan 

&  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  86. 
Pastinaca  maclura  De  Kay,  Fauna  N.  Y.,  Fishes,  1842,  375,  PI.  LXV, 

fig.  213. 
Pteroplatea  micrura  Carman,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI, 

I9I3.  4H. 

Disk  scarcely  twice  as  broad  as  long,  with  a  broad  angle  in  front  of 
snout  and  a  slight  indentation  in  front  of  the  middle  of  each  pectoral, 
outer  ends  of  the  pectorals  subangular;  no  tentacles  on  margin  of 
spiracles;  skin  perfectly  smooth;  tail  slender,  with  a  distinct  fold 
above  and  a  weaker  one  below,  its  length  about  Yz  of  the  length  of  the 
disk  ;  caudal  spine  wanting  in  young. 

Color  brownish,  punctulate  or  vermiculate  with  lighter;  tail  dark, 
with  4  or  5  bands  or  blotches  of  lighter. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us  and  it  is  not  recorded  from  the 
Isthmus  of  Panama,  but  its  range  brings  it  within  the  scope  of  the 
present  work. 

Known  from  New  York  to  Brazil. 

46.  Pteroplatea  crebripunctata  Peters. 

Pteroplatea  crebripunctata  Peters,  Monatsb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Berlin,  1869, 
703  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  87  ; 
Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  IV,  1904,  18 
(Panama  Bay)  ;  Carman,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI, 


Carman  (1913)  gives  the  following  account  of  this  species  which 
was  not  seen  by  us  : 


88   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

"Snout  to  abdominal  pores  half  the  width  of  the  disk.  Tip  of 
snout  a  slight  prominence.  Anterior  margin  of  pectoral  waved, 
concave  in  the  middle,  outer  and  hinder  angles  rounded  somewhat 
broadly.  No  tentacle  on  the  spiracle.  No  dorsal  fin.  Tail  less  than 
half  the  length  of  the  body,  with  a  slight  fold  above,  behind  the  spine. 

"Brown  with  black  puncticulations ;  yellowish  below.  Rarely  with 
white  spots." 

Known  from  the  Gulf  of  California  to  Lobas  de  Afuera,  Peru. 
The  Panama  record  is  by  Gilbert  and  Starks  (1904). 

Family  XIV.    Myliobatidae. 

THE  EAGLE  RAYS. 

Body,  head  and  pectorals  forming  a  very  broad  disk;  the  pectorals 
usually  not  united,  but  ceasing  on  sides  of  head  and  reappearing  in 
front  of  snout  as  i  or  2  fleshy  protruberances,  known  as  "cephalic 
fins";  tail  very  long  and  slender,  whip-like,  bearing  on  the  basal 
portion  a  small  dorsal  fin  and  behind  it  usually  a  serrated  spine; 
teeth  large,  flat,  hexangular,  the  middle  ones  usually  broader  than  the 
outer  ones;  eyes  prominent,  lateral;  spiracles  large,  behind  the  eyes; 
skin  smooth.  Species  ovoviviparous. 

KEY   TO   THE   GENERA. 

a.  Teeth  in  one  row  in  each  jaw,  very  broad;  muzzle  entire. 

Aetobatus,  p.  88. 
aa.    Teeth  in  more  than  3  rows  in  each  jaw. 

b.  Sides  of  head  not  free  from  the  pectoral  fins,  but  extending 
to  snout,  forming  a  single  lobe  or  rostral  process. 

Myliobatis,  p.  90. 

bb.     Sides  of  head  free  from  pectoral  fins  and  not  continuous  with 
the  rostral  process.  Pteromylaus,  p.  91. 

21.  Genus  Aetobatus  Blainville. 

Aetobatus  Blainville,  Bull.  Soc.  Philom.,  1816,  112  (type  Raja  narinari 

Euphrasen). 

Pectoral  fins  slightly  falciform,  not  continuous;  rostral  process 
separated  from  the  pectorals  and  at  a  lower  level;  head  prominent, 
narrowing  downward  and  forward  on  the  sides ;  snout  narrow, 
produced;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  a  single  series,  fused,  lower  curved  and 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     89 

projecting  beyond  the  upper;  tail  long,  slender,  bearing  a  dorsal  fin 
and  a  serrated  spine  above  the  basal  portion;  ventral  fins  narrow, 
elongate. 

47.  Aetobatus  narinari  (Euphrasen). 

Narinari  brasiliensis  Marcgrave,  Hist.  Nat.  Brazil,  1648,  175  (Brazil). 

Raja   narinari   Euphrasen,    Handl.    k.    Sven.    Vet.-Akad.,    XI,    1790, 

217,  PI.  X  (After  Marcgrave). 
Aetobatus  narinari  Blainville,  Bull.  Soc.  Philom.,  1816,  112;  Jordan  & 

Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  88;  Gilbert  & 

Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  18;  Carman,  Memoir.  Mus. 

Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI,  1913,  441,  PI.  XLIX,  figs.   1-3    (teeth), 

PI.  LIV,  fig.  4  (pelvis),  PI.  LVII,  fig.  4  (heart),  PI.  LXXIII, 

fig.  4  (skeleton). 

Myliobatis  narinari  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  I,  II,  1817,  138. 
Raia  quinquemaculata  Quoy  &  Gaimard,  Voy.  Uranie,  Poiss.,  1824, 

200,  PI.  XLIII,  fig.  3. 
Aetobatus  latirostris  Dumeril,  Arch.  Mus.  Hist.  Nat.,  X,  1861,  242, 

PI.  XX,  fig.  i  (Western  Africa). 
Aetobatus  laticeps  Gill,  Ann.  Lye.  Nat.  Hist.  N.  Y.,  VIII,  1865,  137 

(Locality  unknown,  received  from  San  Francisco)  ;  Jordan  &  Ever- 
mann, Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  88. 
Stoasodon  narinari  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI, 

1883,  879. 
Stoasodon  laticeps  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI, 

1883,  879. 

Width  of  disk  nearly  twice  the  length,  its  anterior  borders  concave, 
posterior  borders  convex,  outer  angles  pointed ;  rostral  process  distinct 
from  the  pectoral,  depressed  and  pointed ;  teeth  in  a  single  row  on  each 
jaw,  broad  and  short,  fused,  those  of  the  lower  jaw  flatter  and  more 
produced  than  the  upper;  spiracles  large,  lateral,  behind  the  eyes; 
tail  whip-like,  very  slender,  more  than  4  times  the  length  of  the  body ; 
dorsal  small,  origin  above  the  ends  of  the  bases  of  the  ventrals; 
ventrals  narrow,  elongate. 

Color  brown,  with  spots  of  bluish  white  scattered  over  the  back, 
fainter  on  the  head  and  the  forward  part  of  the  disk,  white  beneath; 
tail  dark. 

This  ray  is  known  from  the  tropical  parts  of  the  Atlantic  and  the 
eastern  Pacific.  It  was  taken  in  Panama  Bay  in  1896  by  Dr.  Gilbert 
and  associates  who  report  that  it  was  frequently  seen.  The  species 
was  not  observed  by  us. 


9O   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

22.  Genus  Myliobatis  Cuvier. 

Myliobatis  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  I,  II,   1817,   137   (type  Raja 

aquila  Linnaeus). 

Disk  broad,  the  outer  angles  acute;  the  pectoral  fins  continued 
along  side  of  head  to  end  of  snout,  forming  a  single  lobe;  tail  very 
long  and  slender;  nasal  valves  confluent  in  a  broad  flap  with  free 
margin  in  front  of  mouth;  teeth  in  7  rows,  the  median  ones  broad,  the 
lateral  ones  narrower;  dorsal  fin  small,  placed  over  or  a  little  behind 
the  ventrals;  a  serrated  spine  on  base  of  tail  behind  the  dorsal  fin; 
ventral  fins  short  and  broad. 

KEY   TO   THE   SPECIES. 

a.  Snout  short,  broadly  rounded;  tips  of  pectorals  of  moderate 
width,  blunt;  origin  of  dorsal  3  lengths  of  its  base  behind 
bases  of  ventrals.  goodei,  p.  9°- 

aa.  Snout  elongate,  pointed;  tips  of  pectorals  narrow,  pointed; 
origin  of  dorsal  1.5  times  the  length  of  its  base  behind  bases  of 
ventrals.  freminvillii,  p.  91. 

48.  Myliobatis  goodei  Carman. 

Myliobatis  goodei  Carman,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1885,  39  (Central 
America)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 
1898,  2755;  Carman,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI,  1913, 

430. 

This  species  is  not  recorded  from  the  Isthmus  of  Panama,  but  its 
range  of  distribution  appears  to  bring  it  within  the  scope  of  the  present 
work.  It  is  described  as  follows  by  Carman  (1913)  : 

"Disk  less  than  twice  as  broad  as  long,  outer  angles  rather  widely 
rounded,  anterior  border  very  little  convex,  hinder  concave  in  its  outer 
half,  convex  in  the  inner,  posterior  angle  blunt.  Head  of  little 
prominence ;  f ontanel  broad  on  the  forehead,  narrowing  abruptly  then 
tapering  gradually,  or  nearly  parallel,  rounded  behind.  Rays  of  rostral 
fins  at  sides  of  head  nearly  as  long  as  those  in  front  of  the  snout, 
making  a  broad  flange  connecting  rostrals  and  pectorals.  Teeth  in 
the  median  series  three  to  four  times  as  wide  as  long,  the  third  row 
is  about  two  thirds,  and  the  second  half  as  wide  as  the  median,  while 
the  teeth  in  the  outer  row  are  as  broad  as  long.  Eyes  very  small;  no 
horn  above  the  orbit.  Spiracle  more  than  three  times  the  length  of  the 
eye.  Dorsal  small,  rounded  above,  fin  not  extended  behind  the  base, 
distant  from  the  bases  of  the  ventrals  three  times  its  length,  in  front 
of  a  serrated  spine.  Ventrals  short,  broader  than  long,  angles  rounded, 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     91 

hind  margin  slightly  convex.  Pectorals  little  wider  than  long,  not 
falciform.  Narial  flap  short,  broad,  little  blunted  at  the  angles,  fringed 
at  the  teeth.  Tail  more  than  one  and  two  thirds  times  the  length  of  the 
disk. 

"Back  brown;  white  below." 

Recorded  from  "Central  America"  and  the  Rio  Grande  do  Sul, 
Brazil. 

49.  Myliobatis  freminvillii  Le  Sueur. 

Myliobatis  freminvillii  Le  Sueur,  Journ.  Ac.   Nat.   Sci.   Phila.,   IV, 

1824,  in    (Rhode  Island);  Carman,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool., 

XXXVI,  1913,  432,  Pis.  XXXV,  XXXIX,  fig.  2  and  LIV,  fig.  3. 
Myliobatis  bispinosus  Storer,  Proc.  Bost.  Soc.  Nat.  Hist.,  I,  1842,  53 

(Massachusetts). 
Myliobatis  acuta  Ayers,   Proc.    Bost.    Soc.    Nat.   Hist.,    I,    1842,  65 

(Connecticut). 
Myliobatis  freminvillei  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  89. 

Width  of  disk  less  than  twice  its  length;  snout  tapering,  rather 
pointed;  rostral  processes  connected  at  the  side  of  the  head  with  the 
pectorals  by  rays  as  long  as  eye;  teeth  in  7  rows,  those  in  the  main 
rows  4  to  6  times  as  broad  as  long,  those  in  the  outer  3  rows  as  wide 
as  long ;  skin  smooth  or  nearly  so ;  a  horn-like  protuberance  above  each 
eye  of  the  male ;  tail  slender,  more  than  2  times  the  body  from  snout 
to  vent ;  a  serrated  spine  behind  dorsal  fin ;  dorsal  fin  moderate,  its 
origin  1.5  times  the  length  of  its  base  behind  bases  of  ventrals;  ventral 
fins  as  broad  as  long. 

Color  brownish  above ;  whitish  below. 

Known  from  Cape  Cod  to  Brazil.  Not  as  yet  recorded  from  the 
coast  of  Panama. 

23.  Genus  Pteromylaeus  Carman. 

Pteromylans  Carman,  Memoir.   Mus.   Comp.   Zool.,  XXXVI,    1913, 

437  (tyPe  Myliobatis  asperrimus  Gilbert). 

"This  genus  resembles  Aetobatus  somewhat  closely  in  general 
appearance  and  in  structure  but  differs  greatly  in  dentition.  Compared 
with  Myliobatis  the  head  is  more  elongate,  and  more  narrow  forward 
and  in  the  snout,  the  pectoral  fins  are  more  falciform  and  are  not 
continuous  with  the  rostral  fins  at  the  side  of  the  head,  the  ventrals 
are  more  elongate  and  narrow  and  the  spiracles  are  open  more  upward 


92   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

and  less  to  the  side.  The  teeth  are  tessellate,  in  seven  rows ;  a  median 
row  of  very  broad  teeth  at  each  side  of  which  are  three  very  narrow 
ones.  The  tail  is  long  and  slender;  it  bears  a  serrated  spine  behind 
the  dorsal."  ( Carman.) 

50.  Pteromylaeus  asperrimus  (Gilbert). 

Myliobatis  asperrimus  Gilbert,  in  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  2754  (Panama  Bay)  ;  Gilbert  &  Starks, 
Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  19,  PI.  Ill,  fig.  6  (Panama  Bay). 

Pteromylaus  asperrimus  Garman,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI, 

1913,  438. 

Disk  nearly  twice  as  broad  as  long,  anterior  margins  convex, 
posterior  margins  concave,  outer  angles  slightly  blunted;  head 
prominent;  snout  produced,  pointed;  rostral  process  not  continuous 
with  the  pectoral  fins,  narrower  and  at  a  lower  level  than  the  cranium, 
forming  a  flexible  lobe;  spiracles  large,  twice  the  length  of  eye;  tail 
slender,  very  long,  more  than  3  times  the  length  of  body;  caudal 
spine  present;  skin  rough  with  small  spines  on  upper  parts,  lower 
surface  smooth  except  at  base  of  pectorals,  and  other  patches  on  lower 
side  of  head,  belly  and  base  of  ventrals ;  dorsal  small,  as  long  as  the 
spiracle,  its  origin  about  2  times  the  length  of  its  base  back  of  the  bases 
of  the  ventrals ;  ventral  fins  moderate,  longer  than  broad,  rounded 
posteriorly,  reaching  considerably  behind  margin  of  pectorals. 

Color  dusky  brown  above,  the  anterior  portion  of  the  pectorals 
with  8  to  10  narrow  transverse  bars  of  bluish  white,  most  of  which 
break  up  into  series  of  spots  toward  middle  line,  which  are  irregular 
in  size  and  shape,  as  large  as  the  eye  to  very  small.  Sometimes  the 
edges  of  snout,  disk,  dorsal  and  the  tail  are  black. 

This  species  is  known  only  from  Panama  Bay  where  the  type 
was  secured  by  Dr.  Gilbert  and  associates  in  1896.  It  was  not  seen 
by  us. 

Family  XV.    Mobulidae. 

THE  SEA  DEVILS. 

Head,  body  and  pectorals  forming  a  subrhomboid  disk,  broader 
than  long;  head  broad  and  flat,  bearing  cephalic  fins  or  processes, 
developed  as  2  long,  horn-like  appendages,  separate  from  the  pectorals ; 
mouth  large,  transverse,  terminal  or  inferior;  teeth  small,  numerous-, 
in  pavement;  tail  long,  whip-like,  with  a  single  dorsal  fin  at  its  base, 
and  with  or  without  a  serrated  spine ;  eyes  lateral ;  skin  more  or  less 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     93 

rough;  a  single  dorsal  fin  present  on  base  of  tail;  ventrals  small, 
between  the  pectorals. 

Some  of  the  members  of  this  family  reach  an  enormous  size.  It 
is  said  that  individuals  have  been  taken  which  were  20  feet  wide  and 
weighed  more  than  4  tons. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA. 

a.       Mouth  inferior;  teeth  on  both  jaws.  Mobula,  p.  93. 

aa.     Mouth  anterior ;  teeth  on  lower  jaw  only.  Mania,  p.  94. 


24.  Genus  Mobula  Rafinesque. 

Mobula  Rafinesque,  Ind.  d'ltt.  Sicil.,  etc.,  1810,  48  &  61  (type  Mobula 

auriculata  Rafinesque). 

Head  broad,  flat,  truncate;  internarial  space  wide;  mouth  wide, 
inferior ;  rostral  appendages  moderate,  directed  forward  and  obliquely 
downward,  rolled  from  below  outward  in  a  subcylindrical  roll  when 
not  in  use;  teeth  on  both  jaws  small,  numerous,  in  pavement. 

51.  Mobula  hypostoma  (Bancroft). 

Cephalopterus  hypostomus  Bancroft,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1831, 

134  (Jamaica). 
Cephaloptera  olfersii  Miiller,  Abh.  k.  Ak.   Wiss.   Berlin,    1834,   311 

(Brazil). 

Dicerobatis  olfersii  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  VIII,  1870,  497. 
Aodon  hypostomus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  92. 

Mobula  olfersi  Coles,  Bull.  Amer.  Mus.  Nat.  Hist.,  XXVIII,  1910,  341. 
Mobula  hvpostoma  Carman,  Memoir.   Mus.   Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI, 

1913,  453,  PI.  XXXVIII,  PI.  LIV,  fig.  6  (pelvis),  PI.  LVII,  fig.  6 

(heart),  LIX,  figs.  7  &  8  (gills),  PI.  LXXV  (skeleton). 

Disk  irregularly  diamond-shaped,  nearly  2  times  as  broad  as  long, 
the  anterior  margins  nearly  straight,  the  posterior  ones  concave,  the 
angles  acute ;  teeth  small,  broad,  rounded  or  with  one  or  several  points 
on  the  inward  edge,  increasing  in  number  and  in  width  of  band  with 
age ;  back  smooth  except  in  large  individuals  which  are  rough  poster- 
iorly on  the  body  and  on  the  tail ;  origin  of  the  dorsal  fin  little  behind 
vent. 

Color  brown  on  back;  white  underneath. 

Known  from  New  York  to  Brazil.  It  is  not  as  yet  recorded  from 
the  Panama  coast  and  it  was  not  seen  by  us. 


94   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

25.  Genus  Manta  Bancroft. 

Manta  Bancroft,  Zool.  Journ.,  IV,  1829,  454  (type  Manta  americana 

Bancroft  =  Raja  birostris  Walbaum). 

Disk  broader  than  long,  its  exterior  angles  acute,  the  posterior 
margins  concave;  head  broad,  flat,  truncate;  cephalic  processes  long, 
turned  forward  and  inward ;  mouth  very  wide,  terminal ;  teeth  on  lower 
jaw  only,  very  small,  in  numerous  rows;  skin  rough,  with  small 
tubercles- ;  tail  long,  whip-like ;  a  small  dorsal  fin  over  the  ventrals. 

52.  Manta  birostris  (Walbaum). 

Raja  birostris  Walbaum,  Artedi  Piscium,  1792,  535. 

Raia  manatia  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801,  364  (Tropical 
America) . 

Raja  fimbriata  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IV,  1802,  677,  PI.  XVI, 
fig.  3  (Gulf  Stream  58°  N.). 

Cephalopterus  vampyrus  Mitchill,  Ann.  Lye.  Nat.  Hist.  N.  Y.,  I, 
1824,  23,  PI.  II,  fig.  i  (Delaware  Bay). 

Cephaloptera  giorna  Le  Sueur,  Journ.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  IV,  1824, 
115,  PI.  VI  (Georgia). 

Cephalopterus  mania  Bancroft,  Zool.  Journ.,  IV,  1829,  453  (Jamaica). 

Manta  americana  Bancroft,  Zool.  Journ.,  IV,  1829,  454  (Jamaica). 

Ceratoptera  johnii  Miiller  &  Henle,  Plagiostomen,  1841,  186,  PI.  LIX 
(West  Indies). 

Brachioptilon  hamiltoni  Newman,  Zoologist,  1849,  74  (Gulf  of  Cali- 
fornia) . 

Diabolichthys  elliotti  Holmes,  Proc.  Elliott  Soc.  Nat.  Hist.,  1856,  39 
(Charleston). 

Ceratoptera  vampirus  Dumeril,  Elasmobranches,  I,  1865,  660. 

Ceratoptera  vampyrus  Gunther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  VIII,  1870,  498. 

Manta  birostris  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mug.,  XVI,  1883, 
52;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  92, 
PI.  XVIII,  fig.  39;  Carman,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXVI, 

1913,  454- 

Disk  nearly  2  times  as  broad  as  long;  tail  about  as  long  as  disk 
including  rostral  processes;  teeth  minute,  rasp-like,  on  the  lower  jaw 
only,  occupying  the  entire  width  of  the  jaw,  in  numerous  rows;  skin 
of  body  and  tail  everywhere  rough  with  small  tubercles;  origin  of 
dorsal  a  little  forward  of  the  ends  of  the  bases  of  the  pectorals ;  ventral 
fins  small,  posterior  margin  rounded,  not  reaching  to  the  ends  of  the 
pectorals. 

Color  dark  brown,  becoming  darker  with  age ;  white  underneath. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     95 

Known  from  both  coasts  of  America,  but  apparently  it  is  not  re- 
corded from  either  coast  of  Panama,  although  doubtless  it  occurs 
there.  The  species  was  not  seen  by  us. 

Class  III.     Teleostomi. 

Order  V.   Nematognathi. 
Family  XVI.    SUuridaj. 

THE  CATFISHES. 

Body  elongate,  rather  low  and  broad ;  head  with  2  or  more  barbels, 
the  longest  pair  being  attached  to  the  rudimentary  maxillaries;  an- 
terior margin  of  the  upper  jaw  formed  by  the  premaxillaries  only; 
preopercle  obsolete;  opercle  large;  no  normal  scales,  the  body  naked 
or  with  bony  plates ;  dorsal  fin  usually  present,  short ;  the  anterior  ray 
of  dorsal  and  pectorals  each  usually  spiny;  adipose  fin  usually  present. 

This  is  a  very  large  family  of  fishes.  The  forms  treated  of  in  this 
work  may  be  readily  recognized  by  the  naked  body,  the  presence  of 
2  or  3  pairs  of  barbels  and  by  the  presence  of  an  adipose  fin. 

Only  two  species  were  taken  on  the  Atlantic  coast  of  Panama, 
but  the  forms  are  numerous  and  difficult  to  separate  on  the  Pacific 
coast.  It  is  possible  that  too  many  species  have  been  recognized  in  this 
work.  Time  would,  however,  not  permit  us  to  reexamine  many  speci- 
mens, taken  by  previous  investigators,  in  connection  with  our  large 
collection,  as  we  should  like  to  have  done,  and  which  would  have 
been  most  interesting  and  helpful.  Nearly  all  of  the  members  of  the 
family  discussed  in  the  present  work  are  used  as  food,  and  on  the 
Pacific  coast  they  form  a  very  important  food  supply,  as  many  of 
them  occur  in  abundance  and  reach  a  rather  large  size. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA. 

a.  Lower  jaw  with  a  single  pair  of  barbels;  maxillary  barbel 
compressed,  band-shaped.  Felichthys,  p.  o/x 

aa.     Lower  jaw  with  two  pairs  of  barbels ;  maxillary  barbel  not 
band-shaped. 

b.  A  transverse  membranous  fold,  with  a  free  edge,  on  snout, 
connecting  the  posterior  nostrils.  Selenaspis,p.  101. 

bb.     No  transverse  membranous  fold  on  snout  as  above. 

c.  Dorsal  shield  enlarged,  usually  as  long  as  or  longer  than  broad, 
pointed   anteriorly   and   fitting   into   the   emarginate    occipital 
process.  Sciadeichthys,p.  103. 


96  FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

cc.  Dorsal  shield  not  enlarged,  crescent-shaped,  its  length  on 
median  line  much  less  than  its  width. 

d.  Gill-rakers  in  small  or  moderate  numbers,  usually  13  or  fewer 
on  lower  limb  of  first  arch. 

e.  Teeth  all  pointed,  or  those  on  vomer  and  palatines  slightly 
bluntish;  the  palatine  teeth  in  small  or  moderate  patches,  not 
produced  backward  on  pterygoids.  Galeichthys,  p.  104. 

ee.  Teeth  on  the  jaws  pointed  or  slightly  bluntish;  vomerine  and 
palatine  teeth  more  or  less  bluntish;  the  palatine  teeth  in  large 
patches  with  backward  projection,  extending  on  the  ptery- 
goids. Netuma,p.  112 

eee.  Teeth  on  upper  jaw  pointed ;  posterior  teeth  near  symphysis  on 
lower  jaw  blunt,  the  others  pointed;  vomerine  teeth  wanting; 
palatine  teeth  granular,  in  small  or  moderate  patches,  without 
backward  projection.  Arius,  p.  122. 

dd.  Gill-rakers  in  rather  large  numbers,  not  fewer  than  30  on  lower 
limb  of  first  arch ;  eye  placed  low,  partly  below  level  of  mouth. 

Cathorops,  p.  129. 


26.  Genus  Felichthys  Swainson. 

Breviceps  Swainson,  Nat.  Hist.  &  Class.   Fish.,  I,   1838,  328   (type 

Breviceps  filamentosus   Swainson   =   Arius   bahiensis   Castelnau; 

name  preoccupied). 
Felichthys  Swainson,  Nat.  Hist.  &  Class.  Fish.,  II,  1839,  3°5    (tyP6 

Felichthys  filamentosus  Swainson;  substitute  for  Breviceps). 
Ailurichthys  Baird  &  Girard,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,   1854,  26 

(type  Silurus  marinus  Mitchill). 
JElurichthys  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1863,   172    (Corrected 

spelling). 

Body  elongate,  little,  if  at  all,  compressed;  head  depressed;  snout 
very  broad,  projecting;  mouth  large;  teeth  all  villiform,  in  more  or 
less  distinct  bands  on  jaws,  vomer  and  palatines;  a  large  fontanel; 
barbels  4,  maxillary  barbel  long,  broad,  band-like;  pectoral  spines  and 
usually  the  dorsal  spine  with  a  long  band-like  filament ;  caudal  fin  deeply 
forked ;  anal  fin  more  or  less  emarginate. 

The  species  of  this  genus  are  seldom  caught  with  seines  at  Panama. 
They  appear  to  inhabit  mostly  the  coral  reefs  and  rocky  bottom.  They 
are  also  common  around  wharf  piers.  Our  specimens  were  nearly 
all  taken  either  with  hook  and  line  or  by  use  of  dynamite. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     97 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Dorsal  spine  not  produced  in  a  long  filament;  gill-rakers  about 
12.  panamensis,  p.  97. 

aa.  Dorsal  spine  produced  in  a  long  filament;  gill-rakers  fewer  than 
12. 

b.  Distance  from  tip  of  snout  to  origin  of  dorsal  2.95  to  3.1  in 

length ;  anal  fin  with  19  to  23  rays,  without  a  large  black  blotch. 

felis,  p.  99. 

bb.  Distance  from  tip  of  snout  to  origin  of  dorsal  3.5  to  3.8  in 
length;  anal  fin  with  29  to  32  rays,  its  anterior  part  with  a 
large  black  blotch.  pinnimaculatus,  p.  100. 

53.  Felichthys  panamensis  (Gill). 

JElurichthys  panamensis  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.   Sci.  Phila.,   1863,   172 

(West  coast  Central  America)  ;  Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss. 

Wien,  LXXII)  Ichth.  Beitr.,  IV,  1875,  14,  PI.  II,  figs.  1-4  (Altata; 

Panama ;  Magdelena  Bay)  ;  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  1882,  622  (Panama). 
JElurichthys  nuchalis  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  V,   1864,   179, 

and  Trans.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  VI,  1868,  476,  PI.  LXXXI,  fig.  2 

(Panama). 
Felichthys  panamensis  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci,.  IV, 

1904,  20  (Panama  Bay). 
2Elurichthys  scutatus  Regan,  Biol.  Cent.  Amer.,  Pise.,  1907,  116,  PI. 

XV,  fig.  2  and  PI.  XIX,  fig.  2   (Pacific  coast,  Panama;  N.  W. 

Ecuador) .     (  Female) 
jElurichthys  isthmensis  Regan,  Biol.   Cent.  Amer.,  Pise.,   1907,   117, 

PI.   XV,   fig.    i   and   PI.   XIX,  fig.   i    (Atlantic  coast,   Panama; 

Colon?).     (Male) 

Head  3.55  to  3.95 ;  depth  4.15  to  4.6;  D.  I,  7;  A.  27  to  30. 

Body  robust,  the  depth  at  origin  of  dorsal  scarcely  greater  than 
the  width ;  tail  tapering,  compressed ;  anterior  profile  straight  over 
head,  convex  at  nape ;  head  rather  low ;  snout  broad,  depressed,  mod- 
erately projecting,  3.4  to  3.8  in  head;  eye  4.6  to  5.3;  mouth  broad, 
the  gape  reaching  under  anterior  margin  of  eye;  teeth  in  villiform 
bands,  the  upper  jaw  with  a  crescent-shaped  band,  more  or  less  con- 
stricted in  the  middle,  ending  in  a  blunt  point  laterally,  band  on  lower 
jaw  narrower,  interrupted  at  symphysis,  vomerine  teeth  narrowly 
separated  from  the  palatine,  with  a  constriction  in  middle,  palatine 
patches  of  teeth  narrower  than  the  vomerine;  2  pairs  of  barbels,  the 
maxillary  barbel  flat,  ribbon-shaped,  often  reaching  nearly  to  base  of 


98   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

ventrals,  the  mandibular  barbels  short,  flat,  reaching  nearly  or  quite 
to  margin  of  gill-covers-;  gill-rakers  about  12;  distance  from  tip  of 
snout  to  origin  of  dorsal  2.8  to  3.1  in  length;  dorsal  spine  1.4  to  1.6 
in  head,  without  a  filament;  adipose  fin  moderate,  inserted  over  pos- 
terior third  of  anal;  caudal  fin  deeply  forked,  the  upper  lobe  the 
longest;  anal  fin  anteriorly  high  in  the  females,  not  greatly  elevated 
in  males,  its  base  1.2  to  1.45  in  head;  ventral  fins  long  in  females, 
reaching  past  origin  of  anal,  shorter  in  males,  failing  to  reach  anal, 
inserted  about  equidistant  from  base  of  pectorals  and  middle  of  base 
of  anal;  pectoral  fins  moderate,  the  spine  1.25  to  1.4  in  head,  its 
filament  usually  reaching  to  or  beyond  origin  of  anal. 

Color  steel-blue  above;  silvery  below;  sides  often  with  a  yellowish 
lustre  and  usually  with  dusky  punctulations ;  dorsal  fin  greenish  or 
dusky,  the  other  fins  pale  with  a  varying  amount  of  dusky. 

This  catfish  is  represented  by  17  specimens,  ranging  in  length 
from  300  to  380  mm.  It  is  a  common  food  fish  and  may  be  seen  in 
the  Panama  City  market  almost  daily.  The  sexual  differences  are  pro- 
nounced and  are  well  described  by  Gilbert  &  Starks  (1904)  thus: 
"The  specimens  do  not  differ  according  to  sex  in  the  shape  of  the 
dorsal  buckler  as  extensively  as  is  indicated  in  Steindachner's  figures. 
Furthermore,  such  difference  as  exists  is  in  the  opposite  direction  to 
that  observed  by  him,  as  the  buckler  is  larger  and  proportionately 
somewhat  wider  in  the  females  than  in  the  males.  More  obvious 
sexual  differences  are  found  in  the  length  of  the  ventral  fins  and  in 
the  shape  of  the  anal.  In  females  the  ventrals  are  long,  constantly 
extending  beyond  the  front  of  the  anal.  In  males  they  fail  to  reach 
the  front  of  the  anal  fin.  In  females  the  anterior  portion  of  the  anal 
fin  is  produced,  forming  a  projecting  lobe,  thus  giving  a  strongly 
concave  arch  to  the  posterior  half  of  the  margin  of  the  fin.  In  males 
there  is  no  lobe,  and  the  margin  of  the  fin  is  nearly  or  wholly  straight. 
*  *  *  Another  sexual  difference  seems  to  exist  in  the  size  of  the 
head,  which  in  the  present  specimens  is  less  in  the  case  of  the  females, 
3  5/7  to  37/s  (3%  in  males)."  We  are  including  in  the  synonomy  Re- 
gan's JElurichthys  isthmensis  which  he  bases  on  specimens  from  Colon. 
His  description  suits  the  male  of  the  present  species  admirably,  and 
it  seems  probable  to  us  that  his  specimens  were  from  the  Pacific  coast 
instead  of  the  Atlantic.  Such  a  mistake  could  come  about  very  easily, 
as  the  fish  are  constantly  shipped  from  the  Pacific  coast  to  the  Colon 
market. 

Known  from  Mazatlan  to  Guayaquil.  Our  specimens  are  from 
Chame  Point  and  Panama. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.     99 

54.  Felichthys  felis  (Linnaeus). 

Silurus  felis  Linnaeus,   Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  XII,   1766,  503    (Charleston, 

S.  C). 
Silurus  marinus  Mitchill,  Trans.  Lit.  &  Phil.  Soc.  N.  Y.,  I,  1815,  433 

(New  York). 
Galeichthys  marinus  DeKay,   Fauna   N.   Y.,   Fishes,    1842,    178,   PI. 

XXXVII,  fig.  118. 
Ailurichthys  marimis  Baird  &  Girard,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1854, 

26. 

^Elurichthys  marinus  Gtinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  V,  1864,  178. 
Felichthys  marinus   Jordan   &   Evermann,    Bull.    U.    S.    Nat.    Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  118. 
Felichthys  felis  Smith,  N.  C.  Geol.  &  Econ.  Surv.,  II,  1907,  62,  fig.  15. 

Head  3.55  to  3.8;  depth  4.05  to  4.5;  D.  I,  7;  A.  19  to  23. 

Body  rather  robust,  its  greatest  depth  a  little  greater  than  width, 
tapering  posteriorly  but  not  much  compressed;  profile  from  tip  of 
snout  to  origin  of  dorsal  straight ;  head  depressed,  broad ;  snout  short 
land  broad,  not  much  longer  than  eye;  eye  4.6  to  5.1  in  head;  mouth 
broad,  cleft  nearly  or  quite  to  anterior  margin  of  eye;  teeth  small, 
in  villiform  bands  on  jaws,  vomer  and  palatines,  the  band  on  upper 
jaw  continuous,  narrowest  in  middle,  the  band  on  lower  jaw  interrupted 
at  symphysis,  tapering  posteriorly,  vomerine  and  palatine  band  vari- 
able, united  and  forming  a  crescent-shaped  band,  or  divided  into 
patches,  the  palatine  teeth  being  separate  from  the  vomer  and  the 
vomerine  patch  divided  at  middle  (Most  specimens  at  hand  have 
the  vomerine  patch  interrupted  on  the  median  line,  but  continuous 
with  the  palatine  teeth.)  ;  2  pairs  of  barbels  present,  the  maxillary 
barbel  flattened,  ribbon-shaped,  reaching  from  base  of  ventrals  to 
opposite  anal  base,  mandibular  barbels  small,  failing  to  reach  margin 
of  gill-covers ;  gill-rakers  about  5 ;  distance  from  tip  of  snout  to  origin 
of  dorsal  2.95  to  3.1  in  length;  dorsal  spine  i.i  to  1.4  in  head,  its 
filament  reaching  to  or  beyond  adipose  fin;  adipose  fin  moderate, 
inserted  a  little  in  advance  of  middle  of  base  of  anal ;  caudal  fin  deeply 
forked,  the  upper  lobe  longest;  anal  fin  anteriorly  elevated,  its  base 
1.5  to  1.7  in  head;  ventral  fins  moderate,  inserted  a  little  nearer  base 
of  pectorals  than  base  of  last  rays  of  anal;  pectoral  fins  moderate, 
the  spine  i.i  to  1.3  in  head,  its  filament  usually  reaching  opposite  anal 
base. 

Color  uniform  steel-blue  above;  silvery  below,  with  or  without 
dark  points;  dorsal  fin  with  more  or  less  dusky  anteriorly,  usually 
mostly  yellowish  green;  adipose  dusky;  caudal  with  upper  lobe  more 


ioo   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

or  less  dusky,  the  lower  lobe  yellowish  green;  the  other  fins  pale  or 
with  or  without  dusky  punctulations. 

We  preserved  16  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  160  to  370  mm., 
of  this  common  food  fish.  It  is  rarely  captured  with  seines,  but  it 
takes  the  hook  readily  and  it  may  also  be  taken  with  dynamite  on  the 
coral  reefs  at  Colon.  We  compared  our  specimens  with  others  from 
North  Carolina,  South  Carolina,  Yucatan  and  Nicaragua  and  found 
them  all  identical.  We  regard  F.  bahiensis  (Castelnau)  as  doubtfully 
distinct.  The  sexual  differences  are  identical  with  those  described  for 
F.  panamensis  but  are  scarcely  so  strongly  marked. 

Known  from  Cape  Cod  to  Panama.  Our  specimens  are  from  Toro 
Point,  Mindi  Reef,  Cristobal  and  Colon. 


55.  Felichthys  pinnimaculatus  (Steindachner). 

^Elurichthys  pinnimaculatus  Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien, 

LXXII)  Ichth.  Beitr.,  IV,  1875,  15,  PI.  VIII,  figs.  1-3  (Panama; 

Altata;  West  coast  of  Costa  Rica)  ;  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S. 

Fish  Comm.,  II,  1882  (1883),  34,  and  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882, 

622  (Panama) ;  Boulenger,  Boll.  Mus.  Zool.  Anat.  Torino,  XIV, 

No.  346,  1899,  2  (Ri°  Tuyra,  Darien). 
Ailurichthys  pinnimaculatus  Eigenmann  &  Eigenmann,  Proc.  Cal.  Ac. 

Sci.,  2nd  Ser.,  I,  1888,  148  (Panama). 
Felichthys  pinnimaculatus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  117;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  20  (Panama  Bay). 

Head  4.15  to  4.5 ;  depth  4.9  to  5.4;  D.  I,  7;  A.  29  to  32. 

Body  anteriorly  as  broad  as  deep,  posteriorly  compressed;  profile 
from  snout  to  dorsal  straight  or  slightly  concave;  head  depressed, 
notably  broader  than  deep;  snout  very  broad,  projecting  moderately 
beyond  lower  jaw,  4.1  to  4.9  in  head;  eye  lateral,  4.75  to  6.2  in  head; 
mouth  broad,  the  cleft  reaching  under  anterior  margin  of  eye;  teeth 
small,  pointed,  in  bands,  the  band  on  upper  jaw  continuous,  slightly 
narrowed  in  the  middle,  band  on  lower  jaw  interrupted  at  symphysis 
and  tapering  at  angle  of  mouth,  vomer  and  palatines  with  a  continuous, 
crescent-shaped  band  of  about  equal  width  throughout;  2  pairs  of 
barbels  present;  maxillary  barbels  broad,  band-shaped,  reaching  to  or 
past  middle  of  base  of  anal;  mandibular  barbels  short,  fiat,  scarcely 
reaching  margin  of  gill-membranes ;  gill-rakers  about  3 ;  distance  from 
tip  of  snout  to  origin  of  dorsal  3.5  to  3.8  in  length;  dorsal  spine  1.2 
to  1.45  in  head,  its  filament  reaching  base  of  caudal;  adipose  fin  large, 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    101 

inserted  over  middle  of  base  of  anal;  caudal  fin  deeply  forked,  the 
upper  lobe  longest;  anal  fin  long,  elevated  anteriorly,  its  base  3.95  to 
4.35  in  head;  ventral  fins  moderate,  usually  reaching  about  to  origin 
of  anal,  inserted  a  little  nearer  origin  of  anal  than  base  of  pectorals; 
pectoral  fins  moderate,  the  spine  1.2  to  1.4  in  head,  its  filament  reaching 
opposite  or  beyond  anal  base. 

Color  steel-blue  above;  lower  parts  silvery,  with  or  without  dark 
points;  dorsal  fin  yellowish  green,  the  spine  and  often  the  base  of 
fin  dark;  adipose  fin  dark;  base  of  caudal  and  upper  lobe  more  or  less 
clouded,  the  lower  lobe  yellowish  green;  the  other  fins  mostly  pale, 
the  anal  with  a  large  black  area  in  front. 

This  well  marked  species  is  represented  by  10  specimens,  ranging 
in  length  from  315  to  470  mm.  This  is  an  important  food  fish  at 
Panama.  The  sexual  differences-  are  not  well  marked. 

Known  from  Sinaloa,  Mexico,  to  Guayaquil,  Ecuador.  Our  speci- 
mens are  from  Balboa  and  Panama  City. 

27.  Genus  Selenaspis  Bleeker. 

Selenaspis  Bleeker,   Ichth.  Archi.   Indici,   Siluri,   I,    1858,  62    (type 

Silurius  herzbergi  Bloch). 

This  genus  is  readily  distinguished  from  related  genera  by  the 
transverse  membranous  folds  on  the  snout,  connecting  the  posterior 
nostrils. 

A  single  species  occurs  on  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama. 

56.  Selenaspis  dowii  (Gill). 

Leptarius  dowii  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1863,  171  (Panama). 

Arms   alatus    Steindachner,    (Sitzb.    k.    Ak.    Wiss.    Wien,    LXXII) 

Ichth.  Beitr.,  IV,  1875,  19,  PI.  VI  (Panama)  ;  Jordan  &  Gilbert, 

Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882,  621  (Panama). 
Arms  dowi  Jordan   &   Gilbert,   Bull.   U.   S.    Fish   Comm.,   II,    1882 

(1883),  50  (Panama). 
Tachisurus  dowi  Eigenmann  &  Eigenmann,  Proc.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  2nd 

Sen,  I,  1888,  142;  and  Occ.  Pap.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  1890,  61  (Panama). 
Arius  dovii  Boulenger,  Boll.  Mus.  Zool.  Anat.  Torino,  XIV,  No.  346, 

1899,  2  (Rio  Sabana,  Darien). 
Selenaspis  dowi  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  26 

(Panama  Bay). 
Galeichthys  dovii  Regan,  Biol.  Cent.  Amer.,  Pise.,  1907,  120. 

Head  3.3  to  4;  depth  6.6  to  9;  D.  I,  7;  A.  19  to  21. 


IO2    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Body  very  low  and  broad,  the  depth  not  more  than  three-fourths 
of  the  width  at  origin  of  dorsal;  head  much  depressed;  snout  very 
broadly  rounded,  strongly  projecting,  3.4  to  3.8  in  head;  eye  very 
small,  anteriorly  placed,  its  posterior  margin  about  two-thirds  as  far 
from  tip  of  snout  as  from  upper  angle  of  gill-opening,  the  diameter 
8  to  12  in  head;  interorbital  2.4  to  2.8;  mouth  very  broad,  its  angle 
under  posterior  nostril;  teeth  on  the  jaws  all  pointed;  the  band  on 
upper  jaw  broad,  continuous,  its  width  a  little  less  than  4  in  its  length; 
the  band  on  lower  jaw  divided  at  symphysis,  tapering  to  a  point  pos- 
teriorly and  nowhere  half  as  broad  as  the  band  on  upper  jaw;  vo- 
merine  and  palatine  teeth  bluntish;  vomerine  patches  small  and  sepa- 
rated from  each  other  and  from  the  palatine  teeth  in  our  smaller  ex- 
amples, completely  united  in  our  largest  specimen,  and  comparatively 
larger;  palatine-pterygoid  patches  broad  anteriorly,  with  a  long  pointed 
projection  posteriorly  (Our  largest  specimen  in  addition  to  the  teeth 
just  described  has  2  very  large  patches  posterior  to  the  palatine-ptery- 
goid teeth,  these  posteriorly  united.)  ;  maxillary  barbel  long,  reaching 
beyond  tip  of  pectoral  spine  in  young  examples,  about  to  middle  of 
pectoral  in  adult  (640  mm.)  ;  gill-rakers  16  to'  17;  distance  from  tip 
of  snout  to  origin  of  dorsal  2.6  to  3  in  length;  upper  surface  of  head 
granular,  very  rough  in  adult,  less  so  in  young;  dorsal  shield  rather 
large,  about  twice  as  broad  as  long  on  median  line;  occipital  process 
short  and  very  broad,  posteriorly  as  broad  as  dorsal  shield,  with  a 
rather  sharp  median  keel ;  a  very  shallow  frontal  depression,  no  groove ; 
interorbital  area  roughly  granular  in  adult,  nearly  smooth  in  young; 
dorsal  spine  1.8  to  2.4  in  head;  adipose  fin  rather  long,  its  base  2.5  to 
3.1  in  head;  caudal  fin  forked,  the  upper  lobe  longest;  anal  fin  moderate, 
more  or  less  elevated  anteriorly,  the  outer  margin  concave,  at  least  in 
female,  its  base  1 .4  to  2.2  in  head ;  ventral  fins  much  longer  in  female 
than  in  male,  inserted  about  midway  between  base  of  pectoral  spine 
and  middle  of  base  of  anal;  pectoral  spine  strong,  1.6  to  1.95  in  head. 

Color  brownish  above;  pale  underneath;  dorsal  and  caudal  dusky; 
the  other  fins  sometimes  pale,  sometimes  mostly  black. 

This  species  is  represented  by  5  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from 
210  to  885  mm.  It  is  not  as  abundant  as  several  of  the  other  species 
of  catfishes  occurring  on  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama,  but  it  reaches 
a  larger  size.  It  ascends  streams  and  is  often  taken  in  brackish  water. 
It  takes  the  hook  quite  readily  and  is  able  to  offer  strong  resistance. 
It  is  used  as  a  food  and  is  not  infrequently  seen  in  the  market. 

Known  from  Panama  to  Ecuador.  Our  specimens  are  from  Balboa, 
Corozal  and  the  Panama  City  market. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA — MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    103 

28.  Genus  Sciadeichthys  Bleeker. 

Sciadeichthys  Bleeker,  Act.  Soc.  Sci.  Indo-Neerl.,  V,  1858,  99  (type 

Sciades  pictus  Miiller  &  Troschel). 

This  genus  differs  from  related  genera  in  the  enlarged  dorsal 
shield,  which  is  as  long  as  or  longer  than  broad  and  more  or  less 
distinctly  pointed  anteriorly,  fitting  into  the  emarginate  occipital  shield. 

A  single  species  occurs  on  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama. 

57.  Sciadeichthys  troschelii  (Gill). 

Sciades  troschelii  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1863,  171  (Panama). 

Arms  troschelii  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  V,  1864,  150. 

Arms   brandtii   Steindachner,    (Sitzb.  k.   Ak.   Wiss.   Wien,    LXXII) 

Ichth.  Beitr.,  IV,  1875,  21,  PI.  Ill   (Altata;  Panama);  Jordan  & 

Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  II,  1882  (1883),  37-39  (Mazatlan; 

Punta  Arenas ;  Panama) . 
Tachisurus   brandtii  Eigenmann  &   Eigenmann,   Occ.   Pap.    Cal.  Ac. 

Sci.,  1890,  55  (Panama). 
Sciadeichthys  troscheli  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir,  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  26  (Panama  Bay)  ;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp. 

Zool.,  XXXV,  1912,  83  (Panama  Bay). 
Galeichthys   troscheli   Regan,   Biol.   Cent.    Amer.,    Pise.,    1907,    120. 

(Mazatlan;  Panama). 

Head  3.3  to  3.6;  depth  4.6  to  5.5;  D.  I,  7;  A.  17  or  18. 

Body  rather  low  and  broad,  the  depth  usually  a  little  less  than  the 
width  at  origin  of  dorsal;  head  moderate,  somewhat  depressed;  snout 
rather  long,  broadly  rounded,  rather  strongly  projecting,  its  length 
2.8  to  3  in  head ;  eye  small,  its  posterior  margin  rather  nearer  upper 
angle  of  gill-opening  than  tip  of  snout,  5.65  to  8.5  in  head ;  interorbital 
2  to  2.3;  mouth  broad,  its  angle  under  posterior  nostril;  teeth  on  the 
jaws  all  pointed;  the  band  on  upper  jaw  continuous,  its  greatest  width 
scarcely  one- fourth  of  its  length ;  the  band  on  lower  jaw  less  than  half 
as  wide,  well  separated  at  symphysis,  tapering  to  a  point  posteriorly, 
reaching  a  little  beyond  angle  of  mouth ;  vomerine  and  palatine  teeth 
bluntish;  the  vomerine  patches  varying  in  size,  sometimes  not  larger 
than  pupil,  sometimes  much  larger  and  elongate,  separated  or  not  on 
median  line,  separated  from  the  palatine-pterygoid  patches  by  a  line; 
the  palatine-pterygoid  patches  triangular,  tapering  rather  abruptly 
posteriorly;  maxillary  barbel  usually  reaching  a  little  beyond  base  of 
pectoral  spine;  gill-rakers  7  or  8;  distance  from  tip  of  snout  to  origin 
or  dorsal  2.45  to  2.6  in  body;  upper  surface  of  head  granular,  much 
rougher  in  some  specimens  than  others;  differing  from  all  related 


IO4   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

species  in  the  enlarged  dorsal  shield  which  usually  is  sharply  pointed 
anteriorly,  but  sometimes  bluntly  pointed  and  rarely  only  convex, 
separated  from  the  occipital  shield  by  a  narrow  line  in  the  young, 
coossified  with  the  latter  in  adult;  its  posterior  margin  concave,  the 
sides  slightly  convex,  its  greatest  width  about  equal  to  its  length  on 
median  line,  usually  but  not  always  with  a  sharp  keel ;  occipital  process 
short,  notably  broader  than  long,  its  posterior  margin  usually  deeply 
concave  or  deeply  emarginate,  receiving  the  point  of  the  dorsal  shield, 
with  a  sharp  median  keel  in  young;  frontal  depression  broad,  not 
reaching  occipital  process  but  extending  forward  on  snout,  no  groove ; 
interorbital  area  usually  with  a  few  granular  ridges,  the  granules  some- 
times wanting;  dorsal  spine  1.2  to  1.5  in  head;  adipose  fin  moderate, 
its  base  2.4  to  3  in  head ;  caudal  fin  forked,  the  upper  lobe  pointed  and 
the  longer;  anal  fin  rather  small,  anteriorly  somewhat  elevated,  the 
outer  margin  slightly  concave,  its  base  2  to  2.25  in  head ;  ventral  fins 
moderate,  longer  in  the  female  than  in  the  male,  as  usual  among 
catfishes,  inserted  about  equidistant  from  the  base  of  the  dorsal  spine 
and  base  of  last  anal  rays ;  pectoral  spine  large,  1.25  to  1.35  in  head. 

Color  very  dark  brownish  above,  lower  parts  pale  with  few  or  many 
brown  points;  fins  all  dark  or  dusky,  the  paired  fins  and  the  anal 
often  mostly  Iblack. 

There  are  23  specimens  of  this  species  in  the  Panama  collection, 
ranging  in  length  from  170  to  445  mm.  It  is  a  food  fish  of  importance. 

Known  from  Mazatlan  to  Guayaquil,  Ecuador.  Our  specimens  are 
from  Chame  Point,  Balboa  and  Panama  City  market. 

29.  Genus  Galeichthys  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes. 

Galeichthys  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  XV,  1840,  28 

(type  Galeichthys  feliceps  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

This  genus  is  characterized  by  the  pointed  teeth,  present  on  jaws, 

vomer  and  palatines.     The  palatine  teeth  are  in  small  or  moderate 

patches  and  do  not  have  a  backward  extension.    The  head  is  rather 

smooth,  usually  mostly  covered  with  skin,  the  granules  not  prominent. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Anal  fin  short,  with  about  14  rays ;  sides  with  a  rufous  band. 

peruvianus,  p.  105. 
aa.     Anal  fin  with  16  or  more  rays;  sides  without  band. 

b.  Fontanel  groove  prominent,  produced  backward  nearly  or  quite 
to  occipital  process. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    105 

c.  Interorbital  area  with  2  or  4  rather  prominent  ridges ;  occipital 
process  narrow  posteriorly;  anal  fin  with  19  to  22  rays;  gill- 
rakers  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch  6  or  7. 

dasycephalus,  p.  106. 

cc.  Interorbital  area  without  ridges ;  occipital  process  rather  broad ; 
anal  fin  with  16  to  19  rays;  gill-rakers  10  or  n. 

d.  Head  rather  roughly  granular;  the  median  keel  on  occipital 
process  low  and  blunt;  snout  very  low,  tapering;  eye  small, 
6-5  to  7.3  in  head  in  specimens  ranging  in  length  from  280  to 
350  mm.  seemanni,  p.  107. 

dd.  Head  smooth  or  only  slightly  granular;  the  median  keel  on 
occipital  process  sharp;  snout  deeper  and  broader;  eye  larger, 
5.1  to  6.1  in  head  in  specimens  ranging  from  45  to  345  mm. 

jordani,  p.  109. 

bb.  Fontanel  groove  undeveloped,  appearing  as  a  depression  or  as  a 
small  elongate  pit. 

e.  Anal  fin  with  17  to  19  rays;  gill-rakers  n. 

guatemalensis,  p.  no. 
ee.     Anal  fin  with  22  to  24  rays;  gill-rakers  5.     lentiginosus,  p.  HI. 

58.  Galeichthys  pemvianus  Liitken. 

Gdeichthys  peruvianus  Liitken,  Vidensk.  Meddel.  Nat.  Foren.  Kj0ben., 

1874,  205  (Callao,  Peru)  ;  Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien, 

LXXII)  Ichth.  Beitr.,  IV,  1875,  34  (Callao,  Panama  and  Altata)  ; 

Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  122,  and 

1898,  2771 ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  21. 
Tachyiurus  peruvianus  Eigenmann  &  Eigenmann,  Proc.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci., 

2nd  Sen,  I,  1888,  140,  and  Occ.  Pap.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  1890,  51  (Callao, 

Peru). 

"Head  3.28  in  length ;  depth  about  5 ;  eye  7  in  head,  4  in  interocular ; 
snout  3.1  to  3.2;  width  of  head  145;  D.  I,  7;  A.  14. 

"Body  elongate,  tapering,  caudal  peduncle  slender,  its  least  depth 
4  in  head;  head  rounded,  not  much  depressed;  interorbital  rounded; 
snout  broad,  rather  bluntly  rounded ;  top  of  head  smooth,  with  traces 
of  a  few  small  granulations;  fontanel  rather  deep,  barely  reaching 
anteriorly  to  above  posterior  margin  of  eye;  top  and  sides  of  head 
with  traces  of  reticulating  mucous  channels;  maxillary  barbels  not 
reaching  to  base  of  pectorals ;  mental  barbels  not  reaching  gill-opening; 
post-mental  barbels  reaching  to  or  beyond  gill-opening  (barbels  quite 
variable  in  length).  A  broad  band  of  villiform  teeth  on  maxillaries; 


io6   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

two  small  patches  of  villiform  teeth  on  vomer;  patches  on  palatines 
wider  anteriorly,  tapering  posteriorly;  distance  from  insertion  of 
dorsal  to  adipose  fin  2.75  in  length;  caudal  deeply  forked;  ventrals 
small,  2.04  in  head;  pectorals  1.55. 

"Color  in  alcohol,  back  and  sides  bluish  black;  lower  parts  white; 
a  rufous  band  as  wide  as  eye  along  lateral  line;  fins  blackish." 
(Evermann  &  Radcliffe,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XCV,  1917,  p.  31.) 
Based  on  specimens  from  Peru. 

This  species  was  not  seen  by  us.  It  appears  to  be  a  rare  species, 
readily  separated  from  related  species  by  the  short  anal  fin  and  the 
rufous  band  on  side. 

Known  from  Altata,  Mexico,  to  Callao,  Peru.  Recorded  from 
Panama  by  Steindachner  and  by  Gilbert. 

59.  Galeichthys  dasycephalus  (Gunther). 

Arms  dasycephalus   Gunther,   Cat.   Fish.    Brit.    Mus.,   V,    1864,    157 

(Sandwich  Islands,  locality  probably  wrong)  ;  Steindachner,  (Sitzb. 

k.  Ak.  'Wiss.  Wien,  LXXII)  Ichth.  Beitr.,  IV,  1875,  26  (Panama)  ; 

Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  II,  1882  (1883),  51,  and 

Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882,  622  (Panama). 
Tachisurus  dasycephalus  Eigenmann  &  Eigenmann,  Proc.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci., 

2nd   Ser.,  I,    1888,   143,  and  Occ.   Pap.   Cal.   Ac.   Sci.,    1890,  82 

(Panama). 
Tachisurus  longicephalus  Eigenmann  &  Eigenmann,  Proc.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci., 

2nd  Ser.,  I,   1888,   143,  and  Occ.   Pap.   Cal.  Ac.   Sci.,    1890,  82 

(Panama). 
Galeichthys  dasycephalus  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  25  (Panama). 
Galeichthys  longicephalus  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  25   (Panama) ;  Regan,  Biol.  Cent.  Amer.,  Pise.,  1907,  125 

(Panama). 

Head  3.8  to  4;  depth  4.3  to  5;  D.  I,  7;  A.  19  to  22. 

Body  elongate,  rather  slender,  the  depth  at  origin  of  dorsal 
somewhat  greater  than  the  width;  head  rather  small,  notably  lower 
and  broader  in  male  than  in  female;  snout  not  very  broad,  projecting 
beyond  lower  jaw;  eye  rather  small,  4.9  to  5.4  in  head;  interorbital 
1.9  to  2;  mouth  broad,  the  cleft  almost  wholly  transverse,  reaching 
below  posterior  nostril;  teeth  villiform;  those  on  upper  jaw  in  a 
broad  continuous  band;  the  band  on  lower  jaw  narrower,  interrupted 
at  symphysis,  extending  a  little  beyond  angle  of  mouth;  vomerine 
teeth  in  2  small  patches,  or  rarely  continuous,  continuous  with  or 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    107 

slightly  constricted  from  the  slightly  larger  palatine  patches ;  maxillary 
barbel  extending  to  or  somewhat  beyond  base  of  pectoral ;  gill-rakers 
6  or  7;  distance  from  tip  of  snout  to  origin  of  dorsal  2.7  to  2.85  in 
head;  the  upper  surface  of  head  and  nape  variable,  rough  in  the 
female  with  pronounced  bony  tubercles,  forming  2  parallel  ridges  on 
snout,  on  the  outside  of  these  2  lower,  diverging,  ridges;  the  upper 
surface  of  head  much  smoother  in  the  male,  almost  completely 
covered  with  skin,  with  or  without  very  low  tubercles;  fontanel 
produced  as  a  deep  groove;  the  occipital  process  narrow  posteriorly; 
dorsal  spine  1.4  to  1.65  in  head;  adipose  fin  large,  inserted  over  the 
beginning  of  the  second  third  of  base  of  anal,  its  base  2  to  2.3  in  head ; 
caudal  fin  forked,  the  lobes  not  much  produced,  the  upper  the  longer; 
anal  fin  anteriorly  moderately  elevated  in  female,  but  not  in  the  male, 
its  base  1.4  to  1.55  in  head;  ventral  fins  long  in  female,  reaching  to  or 
beyond  origin  of  anal,  scarcely  reaching  anal  in  male,  inserted  about 
equidistant  from  base  of  pectorals  and  middle  of  base  of  anal ;  pectoral 
fins  rather  small,  the  spine  1.25  to  1.65  in  head. 

Color  dark  brown ;  lower  parts  paler  with  a  silvery  luster ;  the  fins 
yellowish  green,  pale  or  dusky;  the  anal,  ventrals  and  pectorals  often 
dusky  or  black. 

There  are  28  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  200  to  295  mm., 
in  the  present  collection.  A  common  species,  used  as  food.  We 
have  here  united  G.  dasycephalus  and  G.  longicephalus,  because  it 
seems  certain  that  the  former  is  the  female  and  the  latter  the  male. 
Gilbert  &  Starks  (1904)  noted  that  all  of  their  specimens  of  G. 
dasycephalus  were  females  and  that  all  of  their  specimens  of  G. 
longicephalus  were  males.  In  our  collection  the  same  is  true.  The 
rather  remarkable  differences  in  the  shape  and  sculpturing  of  the 
head,  the  length  of  the  ventral  fins,  the  height  of  the  anterior  part 
of  the  anal  certainly  appear  to  be  merely  sexual  differences. 

It  has  been  known  for  some  time  that  in  some  of  the  species  of 
marine  catfishes  the  male  carries  the  eggs  in  the  mouth  until  they  are 
hatched.  Among  our  specimens  of  this  species  is  a  male  with  eggs, 
measuring  about  13  mm.  in  diameter,  in  the  mouth. 

Known  only  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama.  Our  specimens 
are  from  Chame  Point,  Balboa  and  the  Panama  City  market. 

60.  Galeichthys  seemanni   (Gunther). 

Arius    seemanni    Gunther,    Cat.    Fish.    Brit.    Mus.,    V,    1864,    147 
(Central  America). 


io8   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Tachisurus  seemanni  Eigenmann  &  Eigenmann,  Proc.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci., 

2nd  Ser.,  I,   1888,   142,  and  Occ.   Pap.  Cal.  Ac.   Sci.,   1890,  78 

(Panama). 
Galeichthys  eigenmanni  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  21,  PI.  IV,  fig.  7  (Panama  Bay). 
Galeichthys  simondsi  Starks,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1906,  764,  figs. 

i  &  2  (Callao,  Peru). 
Galeichthys  seemanni  Regan,  Biol.  Cent.  Amer.,  Pise.,  1907,  124. 

Head  3  to  3.55 ;  depth  4.4  to  5.45 ;  D.  I,  7 ;  A.  16  to  18. 

Body  rather  long  anteriorly,  the  width  equal  to  the  depth  at  origin 
of  dorsal;  the  tail  long  and  slender,  especially  so  in  the  male;  head 
low  and  broad;  snout  very  low,  tapering,  the  margin  evenly  convex, 
projecting,  its  length  3  to  4.3  in  head ;  eye  6.5  to  7.3 ;  interorbital  2.05 
to  2.25 ;  mouth  nearly  wholly  transverse,  its  angle  under  posterior 
nostril;  teeth  in  the  jaws  all  sharply  pointed,  the  vomerine  and  palatine 
teeth  slightly  bluntish;  upper  jaw  with  a  broad,  continuous  band  of 
teeth,  not  extending  to  angle  of  mouth ;  mandibular  teeth  in  a  narrow 
band,  interrupted  on  median  line,  tapering  posteriorly  and  extending 
beyond  angle  of  mouth;  vomerine  patches  of  teeth  very  variable  in 
size,  well  separated  on  median  line,  separated  from  the  larger  palatine 
patches  by  a  narrow  line  and  a  constriction ;  maxillary  barbel  reaching 
to  or  a  little  beyond  margin  of  gill-cover;  gill-rakers  10  or  n; 
distance  from  tip  of  snout  to  origin  of  dorsal  2.45  to  2.7  in  length ; 
the  upper  surface  of  head  and  nape  rough,  granular;  the  fontanel 
groove  variable  in  length,  not  reaching  occipital  process ;  occipital 
process  rather  broad,  variable,  with  a  rather  low,  blunt,  median  ridge ; 
dorsal  spine  1.55  to  1.7  in  head;  adipose  fin  rather  short,  posteriorly 
free,  inserted  a  little  behind  origin  of  anal,  its  base  3.65  to  3.9  in  head ; 
caudal  fin  deeply  lunate,  the  upper  lobe  longest ;  anal  fin  rather  small, 
not  notably  elevated  anteriorly  in  either  sex,  its  base  2  to  2.45  in  head ; 
ventral  fins  small  in  males,  failing  notably  to  reach  origin  of  anal, 
larger  and  with  a  heavy  dermal  thickening  posteriorly  in  female,  and 
reaching  well  beyond  origin  of  anal,  inserted  about  equidistant  from 
base  of  pectoral  spine  and  base  of  last  anal  ray;  pectoral  spine  rather 
large,  1.2  to  1.5  in  head. 

Color  bluish  black  above,  pale  below;  the  fins  with  more  or  less 
dusky,  the  inside  of  base  of  ventrals  and  pectorals  black. 

We  preserved  about  20  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  280  to 
356  mm.  We  follow  Regan  (1907)  in  placing  G.  eigenmanni  in 
synonomy,  as  he  compared  the  type  of  the  present  species  with 
paratypes  of  G.  eigenmanni.  We  also  unite  with  this  species  G. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    109 

simondsi  Starks,  the  type  of  which  we  compared  carefully  with  our 
material.    This  species  ascends  tide  streams  to  brackish  water. 

Known  from  Panama  to  Peru.  Our  specimens  are  from  Chame 
Point,  Balboa,  Corozal  and  the  Panama  City  market. 

61.  Galeichthys  Jordan!  (Eigenmann  &  Eigenmann). 
'Tachisurus  jordani  Eigenmann  &  Eigenmann,  Proc.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  2nd 

Sen,  I,  1888,  142,  and  Occ.  Pap.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  1890,  79  (Panama). 
Hexanematichthys  jordani  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  128. 
Galeichthys  jordani  Jordan   &   Evermann,   Bull.   U.    S.    Nat.    Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  2774;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  22  (Panama  Bay). 

Head  3.1  to  3.6;  depth  3.7  to  4.9;  D.  I,  7;  A.  18  to  19. 

Body  rather  robust,  the  depth  a  little  greater  than  the  width  at 
origin  of  dorsal;  the  tail  moderate,  compressed;  head  rather  deep; 
snout  not  very  low,  tapering  less  than  in  related  species,  projecting 
beyond  lower  lip,  its  length  3  to  3.8  in  head;  eye  5.1  to  6.1 ;  interorbital 
2  to  2.3;  mouth  moderate,  nearly  wholly  transverse,  its  angle  under 
posterior  nostril ;  teeth  in  the  jaws  pointed,  those  on  vomer  and  palatine 
slightly  bluntish;  teeth  in  upper  jaw  in  a  broad  continuous  band, 
ending  in  advance  of  angle  of  mouth;  teeth  on  lower  jaw  in  a 
narrower  band,  interrupted  on  median  line  and  tapering  to  a  point 
posteriorly,  reaching  beyond  angle  of  mouth;  vomerine  patches  of 
teeth  variable  in  size,  well  separated  on  median  line,  separated  from 
the  larger  palatine  patches  by  a  line  and  slight  constrictions ;  maxillary 
barbel  reaching  to  or  more  usually  somewhat  beyond  base  of  pectoral 
spine ;  gill-rakers  10  or  1 1 ;  distance  from  tip  of  snout  to  origin  of 
dorsal  2.4  to  2.75  in  length;  the  upper  surface  of  head  and  nape 
covered  with  skin,  smooth  or  only  very  slightly  granular;  fontanel 
groove  prominent,  not  quite  reaching  occipital  process ;  occipital  process 
broad,  with  a  high,  sharp,  median  ridge;  dorsal  spine  1.15  to  1.45  in 
head ;  adipose  fin  rather  short,  posteriorly  free,  inserted  a  little  behind 
origin  of  anal,  its  base  2.65  to  3.8  in  head;  caudal  fin  deeply  lunate, 
the  upper  lobe  longest;  anal  fin  anteriorly  somewhat  elevated,  with 
outer  margin  concave  in  both  sexes,  its  base  1.6  to  2.15  in  head; 
ventral  fins  notably  larger  in  female  than  in  males  and  with  a  very 
heavy  integument  on  inner  side,  reaching  beyond  origin  of  anal  in 
adult  female,  failing  notably  to  reach  anal  in  male,  inserted  about 
equidistant  from  base  of  pectoral  spine  and  middle  of  base  of  anal; 
pectoral  fins  moderate,  the  spine  1.15  to  1.6  in  head. 


no   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Color  bluish  black  above;  lower  parts  silvery;  the  fins  more  or 
less  dusky,  the  inside  of  ventrals  and  pectorals  largely  black. 

This  species,  which  is  one  of  the  most  abundant  of  the  catfishes 
on  the  coast  of  Panama,  is  represented  by  about  50  specimens,  ranging 
in  length  from  95  to  345  mm.  It  is  closely  related  to  G.  seemanni. 
Both  species  are  variable  and  when  a  large  series  is  compared  the 
differences  become  slight.  Usually,  however,  the  present  species  may 
be  readily  distinguished  by  the  smoother  head  and  nape,  the  sharper 
median  ridge  on  the  occipital  process,  the  deeper  and  less  strongly 
pointed  snout,  larger  eye,  and  the  shorter  and  heavier  tail.  It  ascends 
tide  water  streams  to  brackish  water. 

Known  only  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama.  Our  specimens 
are  from  Chame  Point,  Balboa  and  Corozal. 

62.  Galeichthys  guatemalensis  (Giinther). 

Arms  guatemalensis  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  V,  1864,  145,  and 

Trans.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  VI,  1868,  393   (Guatemala;  Chiapam; 

Panama)  ;    Steindachner,    (Sitzb.    k.    Ak.    Wiss.    Wien,    LXXII) 

Ichth.  Beitr.,  IV,   1875,   18   (Panama;  Altata;   Magdalena  Bay); 

Boulenger,  Boll.  Mus.  Zool.  Anat.  Torino,  XIV,  No.  346,  1899,  2 

(Rio  Sabana  and  Rio  Lara,  Darien). 
Tachisurus  guatemalensis  Eigenmann  &  Eigenmann,  Proc.  Cal.  Ac. 

Sci.,  2nd  Ser.,  I,  1888,  43,  and  Occ.  Pap.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  1890,  81. 
Galeichthys  guatemalensis  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

1898,  2778;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  25; 

Regan,  Biol.  Cent.  Amer.,  Pise.,  1907,  123. 

Head  3.5  to  3.6;  depth  5.6  to  5.8;  D.  I,  7;  A.  17  to  19. 

Body  rather  slender;  head  depressed;  snout  obtuse;  eye  moderate, 
anteriorly  placed,  5.7  to  5.8  in  head;  interorbital  2.15  to  2.25;  teeth 
pointed;  vomerine  patches  of  teeth  small,  separated  from  each  other 
and  from  the  slightly  larger  palatine  patches  by  a  line  and  slight 
constriction;  maxillary  barbel  reaching  about  to  gill-opening; 
gill-rakers  n  ;  distance  from  tip  of  snout  to  origin  of  dorsal  2.5  to  2.7 
in  length;  upper  surface  of  head  granular,  the  granules  arranged  in 
radiating  streaks;  occipital  process  a  little  longer  than  broad,  its 
lateral  margins  nearly  straight;  fontanel  not  produced  in  a  groove, 
appearing  as  a  small  elongate  pit  between  posterior  part  of  orbits; 
dorsal  spine  1.7  in  head;  adipose  fin  rather  small,  its  base  3.3  to  3.4 
in  head;  caudal  fin  deeply  forked,  the  upper  lobe  longest;  anal  fin 
moderate,  its  base  2.15  to  2.3  in  head;  ventral  fins  shorter  than 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    1 1 1 

pectoral;  pectoral  spine  stronger  than  dorsal  spine,  its  length  1.6  in 
head. 

Color  brownish  above ;  silvery  below ;  the  fins  dusky. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us  on  the  coast  of  Panama,  but  it 
is  recorded  from  there  by  Giinther,  Steindachner  and  Boulenger.  We 
examined  3  specimens,  U.  S.  N.  M.  No.  8144,  collected  at  Colima 
by  J.  Xanthus.  The  above  account  is  based  on  these  specimens.  The 
species  appears  to  differ  from  related  forms  occurring  on  the  Pacific 
coast  of  Panama  in  having  no  backwardly  produced  fontanel  grooves. 

Known  from  Mazatlan  to  Panama. 

63.  Galeichthys  lentiginosus  (Eigenmann  &  Eigenmann). 
Tachisurus  lentiginosus  Eigenmann  &  Eigenmann,  Proc.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci., 

2nd  Ser.,   I,   1888,   139,  and  Occ.   Pap.   Cal.  Ac.   Sci.,   1890,  50 

(Panama). 
Galeichthys  lentiginosus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  122,  and  1898,  2771    (Panama)  ;  Gilbert  &  Starks, 

Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  20  (Panama  Bay) ;  Regan,  Biol. 

Cent.  Amer.,  Pise.,  1907,  123  (Panama). 
Galeichthys  xenauchen  Gilbert,  in  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S. 

Nat.    Mus.,   XLVII,    1898,   2777    (Panama)  ;    Gilbert   &   Starks, 

Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  24,  PI.  IV,  fig.  7  (Panama  Bay). 

Head  3.65  to  3.9;  depth  4.9  to  5.7;  D.  I,  7;  A.  22  to  24. 

Body  rather  slender,  the  depth  at  origin  of  dorsal  equal  to  or  a 
little  less  than  the  width ;  head  very  low,  depressed,  lower  and  broader 
in  the  male  than  in  female ;  snout  low,  tapering,  rather  pointed,  the 
margin  rounded,  2.8  to  3.3  in  head;  eye  small,  7.75  to  8.1  in  head; 
interorbital  1 .9  to  2.25 ;  mouth  moderate,  the  cleft  reaching  a  little 
beyond  the  posterior  nostril;  teeth  on  the  jaws  sharply  pointed,  those 
on  vomer  and  palatines  slightly  blunt;  mandibular  band  of  teeth  well 
separated  on  median  line,  broad  anteriorly,  tapering  to  a  point 
posteriorly,  and  reaching  past  angle  of  mouth;  teeth  on  upper  jaw  in 
a  broad,  continuous,  crescent-shaped  band;  vomerine  patches  of  teeth 
well  separated  on  median  line,  separated  from  the  somewhat  larger 
palatine  patches  by  a  narrow  line  and  slight  constriction,  maxillary 
barbel  extending  to  or  beyond  base  of  pectoral  spine ;  gill-rakers  about 
5 ;  distance  from  tip  of  snout  to  origin  of  dorsal  2.6  to  2.75  in  length ; 
upper  surface  of  head  and  nape  mostly  covered  with  skin,  smoothest 
in  the  male,  no  very  prominent  ridges;  the  frontal  fontanel  not 
appearing  as  a  groove  externally ;  occipital  process  apparently  variable 
in  width,  narrow  posteriorly,  very  narrow  in  one  specimen,  only  about 


ii2    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

half  diameter  of  eye,  about  .75  eye  in  another;  dorsal  spine  rather 
small,  1.6  to  1.9  in  head;  adipose  fin  long,  adherent,  inserted  over 
about  the  beginning  of  the  second  fourth  of  anal,  its  base  longer  than 
that  of  dorsal,  1.6  to  2  in  head;  caudal  fin  deeply  lunate,  the  upper 
lobe  longest;  anal  fin  anteriorly  not  notably  elevated  in  either  sex, 
its  base  1.2  to  1.35  in  head;  ventral  fins  rather  small  in  the  male, 
failing  to  reach  origin  of  anal,  much  larger  in  female  and  notably 
thickened  at  base  posteriorly,  reaching  well  beyond  origin  of  anal, 
inserted  about  equidistant  from  base  of  pectoral  spine  and  middle  of 
anal  base;  pectoral  fins  moderate,  the  spine  1.5  to  1.9  in  head. 

Color  very  dark  brown  above ;  silvery  below ;  sides  with  brownish 
ptinctulations ;  the  fins  variable,  dorsal  and  caudal  yellowish  to  brown, 
the  other  fins  pale  or  with  more  or  less  dusky. 

Only  3  specimens  of  this  species,  respectively  290,  315  and  350 
mm.  in  length,  occur  in  the  present  collection.  We  are  unable  to 
separate  G.  xenauchen  from  the  present  species  and  follow  Regan 
(1907)  in  considering  it  a  synonym. 

Known  only  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama.  Our  specimens 
are  from  the  Panama  City  market. 

30.  Genus  Netuma  Bleeker. 

Netuma  Bleeker,  Ichth.  Archi.  Indici,  Siluri,  I,  1858,  61  (type  Netuma 

thalassina  Bleeker  =  N.  nasuta  Bleeker). 

This  genus  differs  from  Galeichthys  in  having  the  palatine  teeth 
in  large  patches  with  rather  long  backward  projections,  extending  on 
pterygoids. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Fontanel  groove  well  developed,  reaching  nearly  or  quite  to 
occipital  process;  body  notably  deeper  than  broad  at  origin  of 
dorsal;  head  rather  deep  and  narrow;  eye  large,  4.6  to  5.4  in 
head.  platypogon,  p.  113. 

aa.  Fontanel  groove  undeveloped,  appearing  as  a  broad  frontal 
depression,  rarely  narrowed  into  a  slight  groove  posteriorly ; 
body  about  as  broad  as  deep  or  broader  than  deep  at  origin 
of  dorsal ;  head  low  and  broad ;  eye  smaller,  contained  about 
6  or  more  times  in  head. 

b.  Occipital  process  as  broad  as  or  broader  at  base  than  long  on 
median  line. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    113 

c.  Palatine-pterygoid  patches  of  teeth  divided  by  a  deep  line  or 
interspace,  each  patch  triangular  in  shape;  frontal  depression 
narrowed  into  a  slight  groove  posteriorly.          elattura,  p.  115. 

cc.  Palatine-pterygoid  patches  of  teeth  continuous,  or  only  slightly 
divided  by  a  line,  broad  anteriorly,  tapering  uniformly  into  a 
long  blunt  point  posteriorly ;  frontal  depression  broad,  nowhere 
developed  into  a  groove.  insculpta,  p.  116. 

bb.  Occipital  process  much  narrower  at  base  than  long  on  median 
line,  the  width  usually  about  one-half  to  two-thirds  the  length. 

d.  Body  not  broader  than  deep  at  origin  of  dorsal ;  eye  moderate, 
its  posterior  margin  about  equidistant  from  tip  of  snout  and 
upper  angle  of  gill-opening,  5.85  to  8.5  in  head. 

planiceps,  p.  117. 

dd.  .Body  as  broad  as,  or  broader  than,  deep  at  origin  of  dorsal; 
eye  small,  its  posterior  margin  notably  nearer  tip  of  snout  than 
upper  angle  of  gill-opening,  7.7  to  11.2  in  head. 

e.  Occipital  process  of  moderate  width,  the  width  of  base  about 
1.7  in  the  length;  snout  moderately  projecting;  about  half  the 
width  of  band  of  teeth  on  upper  jaw  exposed  when  mouth  is 
closed.  kessleri,  p.  119. 

ee.  Occipital  process  very  narrow,  the  width  of  base  about  2  in 
the  length;  snout  very  strongly  projecting;  about  two-thirds 
of  the  width  of  the  band  of  teeth  on  upper  jaw  exposed  when 
mouth  is  closed.  oscula,  p.  120. 

64.  Netuma  platypogon  (Giinther). 

Anus  platypogon  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  V,  1864,  147  (San 
Jose,  Guatemala)  ;  Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien, 
LXXII)  Ichth.  Beitr.,  IV,  1875,  17  (Magdalena  Bay,  West  Coast 
Cent.  Amer. ;  Callao)  ;  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 
II,  1882  (1883),  44  (Mazatlan;  Punta  Arenas). 

Tachisurtts  platypogon  Eigenmann  &  Eigenmann,  Occ.  Pap.  Cal.  Ac. 
Sci.,  1890,  71  (Panama;  Acapulco). 

Netuma  platypogon  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
XLVII,  1898,  2767  (Mazatlan)  ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac. 
Sci.,  IV,  1904,  28  (Panama  Bay). 

Galeichthys  platypogon  Regan,  Biol.  Cent.  Amer.,  Pise.,  1907,  122,  PI. 
XVII,  fig.  i  &  PI.  XIX,  fig.  5  (San  Jose;  Mazatlan). 
Head  3.25  to  3.9;  depth  4.15  to  4.9;  D.  I,  7;  A.  18  to  20. 


U4    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Body  moderately  slender,  notably  deeper  than  broad  at  origin  of 
dorsal ;  tail  compressed ;  head  rather  deep,  not  very  wide ;  snout  obtuse, 
projecting,  its  length  2.8  to  3.1  in  head;  eye  4.6  to  5.4;  interorbital 
2.1  to  2.2;  mouth  moderate,  its  angle  slightly  behind  vertical  from 
posterior  nostril;  teeth  on  upper  jaw  all  pointed,  in  a  continuous  band 
of  moderate  width,  failing  to  reach  angle  of  mouth;  teeth  on  lower 
jaw  slightly  bluntish,  the  band  narrower  than  the  one  on  upper  jaw, 
broadly  divided  on  median  line,  tapering  posteriorly,  reaching  beyond 
angle  of  mouth ;  vomerine  teeth  slightly  bluntish,  the  patches  small, 
rarely  larger  than  pupil,  separated  only  by  a  line  from  each  other 
and  from  the  palatine  teeth,  these  lines  sometimes  obsolete;  the 
palatine  and  pterygoid  teeth  rather  broadly  conical,  the  patches  large, 
but  varying  in  size  among  individuals,  the  palatine  and  pterygoid 
patches  narrowly  separated  by  a  line,  or  continuous,  usually  but  not 
always  pointed  posteriorly;  maxillary  barbel  usually  reaching  base 
of  pectoral  spine;  gill-rakers  8  or  9;  distance  from  tip  of  snout  to 
origin  of  dorsal  2.6  to  2.8;  upper  surface  of  head  mostly  covered 
with  skin,  or  rather  finely  granular;  occipital  process  about  as  long 
as  broad  at  base,  with  a  rather  sharp  keel;  fontanel  groove  reaching 
very  nearly  or  quite  to  occipital  process,  extending  forward  to  a  little 
beyond  posterior  margin  of  eye ;  dorsal  spine  long,  compressed,  I  to 
1.3  in  head;  adipose  fin  moderate,  the  posterior  margin  free,  its  base 
2.6  to  3.5  in  head ;  caudal  fin  forked,  both  lobes  pointed,  the  upper  the 
longer;  anal  fin  rather  small,  somewhat  elevated  anteriorly,  the  outer 
margin  concave,  identical  in  both  sexes,  its  base  1.55  to  1.8  in  head; 
ventral  fins  rather  small,  failing  to  reach  origin  of  anal,  scarcely 
longer  in  the  female  than  in  the  male,  but  with  a  dermal  integument 
at  base  in  the  former,  inserted  slightly  nearer  middle  of  base  of  anal 
than  base  of  pectoral  spine;  pectoral  spine  moderate,  1.2  to  1.5  in  head. 

Color  bluish  black  above;  silvery  below;  the  fins  pale  or  greenish, 
with  more  or  less  dusky,  the  inner  surface  of  the  pectorals  and  ventrals 
and  the  anterior  part  of  the  anal  black. 

This  species  is  represented  by  30  specimens,  ranging  in  length 
from  175  to  285  mm.  Superficially  it  resembles  G.  jordani  very 
strongly,  but  the  dentition  is  different  and  the  fontanel  groove  reaches 
very  nearly  or  quite  to  occipital  process,  while  in  G.  jordani  it  fails  to 
reach  that  far  back.  We  have  one  male  at  hand  with  eggs  in  the 
mouth,  showing  that  in  this  species,  like  several  others,  the  male 
carries  the  eggs  during  incubation. 

Known  from  Lower  California  to  Peru.  Our  specimens  are  from 
Chame  Point  and  Balboa. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    115 

65.  Netuma  elattura  (Jordan  &  Gilbert). 

Arms  elatturus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish.  Comm.,  II,  1882 

(1883),  45  (Panama). 
Tachisurus  elatturus  Eigenmann  &  Eigenmann,  Proc.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci., 

2nd  Sen,  I,  1888,  142,  and  Occ.  Pap.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  1890,  75. 
Netuma  elattura  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  29. 

Head  3.25;  depth  4.9;  D.  I,  7;  A.  19. 

Body  rather  low  and  broad,  the  depth  equal  to  the  width  at  origin 
of  dorsal;  head  low  and  broad;  snout  short,  moderately  projecting, 
its  anterior  margin  broadly  rounded,  3.05  in  head;  eye  moderate,  its 
posterior  margin  somewhat  nearer  tip  of  snout  than  upper  angle  of 
gill-opening,  6.9  in  head ;  interorbital  2.05 ;  mouth  rather  broad,  its 
angle  under  posterior  nostril;  teeth  in  the  jaws  all  pointed,  the  band 
on  upper  jaw  continuous,  its  width  about  6  in  its  length;  the  band 
on  lower  jaw  extremely  narrow,  only  about  one-fourth  as  wide  as  the 
band  on  upper  jaw,  tapering  to  a  point  posteriorly,  reaching  angle 
of  mouth;  teeth  on  vomer,  palatine  and  pterygoids  much  shorter  and 
blunter  than  in  related  species ;  the  vomerine  patches  elongate,  rather 
narrow,  separated  from  each  other  by  a  rather  broad  interspace  and 
from  the  palatine  teeth  by  a  line;  palatine  patches  triangular  with 
the  apex  toward  the  vomerine  teeth ;  pterygoid  teeth  also  in  triangular 
patches,  with  the  apex  directed  backward  and  separated  from  the 
inner  angle  of  the  palatine  teeth  by  a  line;  maxillary  barbel  reaching 
a  little  beyond  base  of  pectoral  spine;  gill-rakers  very  thick  and  blunt, 
7  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  distance  from  tip  of  snout  to  origin 
of  dorsal  2.55  in  length;  upper  surface  of  head  moderately  granular; 
occipital  process  short  and  broad,  its  width  at  base  exceeding  its 
length;  a  broad,  shallow  fontanel  depression,  narrowed  into  a  groove 
posteriorly,  reaching  back  to  within  half  an  eye's  diameter  of  occipital 
process,  the  depression  extending  forward  on  snout  to  nostrils; 
interorbital  area  with  few  granules  and  prominent  ridges  bounding 
the  frontal  depression;  dorsal  spine  rather  long,  1.5  in  head;  adipose 
fin  rather  long,  its  base  2.95  in  head;  caudal  fin  forked,  rather 
short ;  anal  fin  anteriorly  somewhat  elevated,  the  outer  margin  concave, 
its  base  2.25  in  head;  ventral  fins  moderate,  failing  to  reach  origin 
of  anal  (in  male),  inserted  equidistant  from  base  of  pectoral  spine 
and  middle  of  anal  base;  pectoral  spine  strong,  1.4  in  head. 

Color  dark  brown  above;  lower  parts  pale,  densely  covered  with 
brown  punctulations ;  the  fins  all  dusky,  the  pectorals  darkest. 

A  single  male  specimen,  325  mm.  in  length,  occurs  in  our  collections. 
We  removed  from  its  mouth  31  eggs,  each  about  12  mm.  in  diameter. 


n6    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Comparing  our  specimen  with  U.  S.  N.  M.  No.  30995,  300  mm.  in 
length,  collected  by  Rev.  Rowell,  we  find  that  the  latter  has  the  band 
of  teeth  on  the  lower  jaw  somewhat  broader,  the  vomerine  patches 
larger,  the  palatine  patches  smaller  and  less  distinctly  triangular  and 
the  pterygoid  teeth  have  a  longer  posterior  projection.  These  teeth 
on  the  roof  of  the  mouth  are  also  sharper  and  longer.  The  sculpturing 
of  the  head  is  identical.  A  rare  species,  known  from  only  a  few 
specimens. 

Known  only  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama.  Our  specimen  is 
from  Balboa. 

66.  Netuma  insculpta  (Jordan  &  Gilbert). 

Arius  insculptus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish.  Comm.,  II,  1882 

(1883),  41  (Panama). 
Tachisurus  insculptus  Eigenmann  &  Eigenmann,  Proc.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci., 

2nd  Ser.,  I,  1888,  143,  and  Occ.  Pap.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  1890,  71. 
Netuma  insculpta  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  127^  and  1898,  2765 ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci., 

IV,  1904,  27  (Panama  Bay). 

Head  3.5  to  3.6;  depth  4.8  to  5.1 ;  D.  I,  7;  A.  18  to  20. 

Body  rather  robust,  the  depth  about  equal  to  the  width  at  origin 
of  dorsal;  head  rather  short  and  broad,  snout  broadly  rounded,  mod- 
erately projecting,  3.1  in  head;  eye  moderate,  its  posterior  margin 
equidistant  from  tip  of  snout  and  upper  angle  of  gill-opening,  6.8  in 
head;  interorbital  1.95  to  2.2;  mouth  broad,  its  angle  under  posterior 
nostril;  teeth  in  the  jaws  conical,  apparently  a  little  less  sharply  pointed 
than  in  related  species ;  the  band  on  upper  jaw  continuous,  widest 
posteriorly,  its  greatest  width  about  4  in  its  length,  not  exposed  when 
mouth  is  closed;  band  on  lower  jaw  less  than  half  as  broad  as  the 
band  on  upper  jaw,  tapering  to  a  point  posteriorly,  reaching  beyond 
angle  of  mouth ;  vomerine  and  palatine  teeth  rather  blunt ;  the  vomerine 
patches  about  half  as  large  as  eye,  separated  from  each  other  and 
from  the  palatine-pterygoid  patches  by  lines;  the  palatine-pterygoid 
patches  slightly  divided  by  a  line,  rather  broad  anteriorly,  tapering  to 
a  long  blunt  point  posteriorly;  maxillary  barbel  reaching  well  beyond 
base  of  pectoral;  gill-rakers  7  or  8;  distance  from  tip  of  snout  to 
origin  of  dorsal  2.7  in  length;  upper  surface  of  head  granular,  the 
granules  extending  forward  to  between  the  eyes;  occipital  process 
at  least  as  broad  at  base  as  long,  its  sides  slightly  concave,  with  a 
rather  prominent  keel;  a  broad  frontal  depression  present,  but  no 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    117 

groove;  the  interorbital  area  and  snout  with  very  low  ridges;  dorsal 
sping  1.25  to  1.3  in  head;  adipose  fin  moderate,  the  posterior  margin 
free,  its  base  2.2  in  head ;  caudal  fin  forked,  the  upper  lobe  the  longer ; 
anal  fin  moderate,  somewhat  elevated  anteriorly,  the  outer  margin 
concave,  its  base  1.7  in  head;  ventral  fins  rather  large,  reaching  origin 
of  anal  in  specimens  at  hand,  inserted  slightly  nearer  middle  of  anal 
base  than  base  of  pectoral  spine;  pectoral  spine  large,  1.25  in  head. 

Color  brownish  above;  lower  parts  pale  with  brownish  punctula- 
tions;  the  fins  dusky,  the  pectorals  and  ventrals  darkest. 

The  above  description  is  based  on  2  specimens,  285  and  330  mm. 
in  length,  which  we  identify  as  this  species.  These  specimens  are 
close  to  N.  planiceps,  from  which  they,  however,  differ  in  having  a 
broader  and  lower  head,  the  upper  surface  of  which  is  rougher,  the 
occipital  process  is  notably  broader  at  base,  the  maxillary  barbels  are 
longer  and  the  teeth  appear  to  be  slightly  blunter.  In  our  specimens 
each  palatine-pterygoid  patch  has  a  line  across  it,  and  the  posterior 
projection  is  longer  than  in  related  species.  We  have  a  third  specimen, 
350  mm.  long,  which  agrees  with  the  other  2  in  all  respects,  except 
that  the  occipital  process  is  notably  narrower,  much  as  in  N.  kessleri, 
and  the  barbels  are  shorter.  Since  there  appears  to  be  considerable 
variation  among  this  group  of  fishes  and  as  there  is  considerable 
doubt  even  in  our  minds  as  to  whether  all  the  forms  recognized  in  this 
work  are  valid  species,  we  hesitate  to  add  another  name.  We,  there- 
fore, tentatively  refer  this  specimen  to  the  present  species. 

Known  only  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama.  Our  specimens 
are  from  Balboa  and  the  Panama  City  market. 

67.  Netuma  planiceps  (Steindachner). 

Arius  planiceps  Steindachner,   (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien,  LXXII) 

Ichth.  Beitr.,  IV,  1875,  26,  PI.  IV  (Panama;  Altata)  ;  Jordan  & 

Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  II,  1882  (1883),  42  (Panama); 

Boulenger,  Boll.  Mus.  Zool.  Anat.  Torino,  XIV,  No.  346,  1899,  2 

(Rio  Sabana  and  Rio  Cianati,  Darien). 
Tachisurus  planiceps  Eigenmann  &  Eigenmann,  Proc.  Cal.  Acad.  Sci., 

2nd  Ser.,  I,  1888,  142,  and  Occ.  Pap.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  1890,  71. 
Netuma  planiceps  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904, 

27  (Panama  Bay). 
Galeichthys   planiceps   Regan,    Biol.    Cent.    Amer.,    Pise.,    1907,    121 

(Panama). 

Head  3.3  to  3.9;  depth  3.75  to  5 ;  D.  I,  7;  A.  18  or  19. 


n8   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Body  moderately  robust,  rather  deeper  than  broad  at  origin  of 
dorsal;  head  rather  short,  moderately  depressed;  snout  rather  short 
and  broad,  obtusely  rounded,  moderately  projecting,  2.85  to  3.1  in  head ; 
eye  moderate,  its  posterior  margin  about  equidistant  from  tip  of  snout 
and  margin  of  opercle,  5.85  to  8.5  in  head;  interorbital  1.75  to  2.2; 
mouth  broad,  its  angle  under  posterior  nostril ;  teeth  on  upper  jaw  all 
pointed,  in  a  broad  band,  slightly  divided  in  middle  by  a  line,  failing 
to  reach  angle  of  mouth,  its  width  varying  from  a  little  less  than  one- 
fourth  to  a  little  more  than  one-fifth  of  its-  length,  usually  not  exposed 
when  the  mouth  is  closed;  teeth  on  lower  jaw  rather  less  pointed,  the 
band  rather  broadly  divided  at  symphysis,  tapering  to  a  point  poster- 
iorly and  reaching  beyond  angle  of  mouth,  its  width  varying  from 
one-half  to  three-fourths  that  of  the  band  on  upper  jaw;  vomerine  and 
palatine  teeth  bluntish,  the  vomerine  patches  very  small,  usually 
scarcely  larger  than  the  pupil,  separated  from  each  other  and  from 
the  palatine-pterygoid  teeth  by  indefinite  lines;  palatine-pterygoid 
patches  large,  somewhat  triangular  in  shape,  very  broad  anteriorly, 
tapering  rather  abruptly  posteriorly  (One  very  large  specimen  585 
mm.  long,  apparently  not  distinct  from  the  smaller  ones,  has  on  roof 
of  mouth  a  very  large  patch  of  bluntish  teeth,  which  is  forked  an- 
teriorly, each  limb  being  separated  only  by  a  narrow  line  from  the 
palatine-pterygoid  patches.  On  each  side  of  roof  of  mouth,  behind 
and  to  the  outside  of  the  palatine-pterygoid  patches,  is  a  roundish 
patch  of  teeth  about  as  large  as  eye.)  ;  maxillary  barbel  sometimes 
failing  to  reach  margin  of  opercle,  sometimes  to  or  slightly  beyond 
base  of  pectoral  spine;  gill-rakers-  8;  distance  from  tip  of  snout  to 
origin  of  dorsal  2.5  to  2.7  in  length;  upper  surface  of  head  rather 
smooth,  the  granules  small,  especially  in  adult;  occipital  process  of 
moderate  length,  its  width  at  base  at  least  1.5  in  the  length,  tapering 
posteriorly,  its-  lateral  margin  nearly  straight;  with  a  sharp  keel  in 
young,  this  very  low  and  blunt  in  adult ;  frontal  depression  very  broad 
and  shallow  or  obsolete;  no  evident  fontanel  groove;  the  interorbital 
area  smooth;  dorsal  spine  long,  i  to  1.4  in  head;  adipose  fin  rather 
long,  the  posterior  margin  free,  its  base  2  to  3  in  head;  caudal  fin 
forked,  the  upper  lobe  the  longer;  anal  fin  anteriorly  more  or  less- 
elevated,  its  posterior  margin  concave;  ventral  fins  longer  in  females 
than  in  males,  with  a  slight  integument  at  base,  inserted  a  little  nearer 
middle  of  base  of  anal  than  base  of  pectoral  spine;  pectoral  spine 
long,  1.2  to  1.5  in  head. 

Color  dark  brownish  above;  lower  parts  pale  with  a  few  or  many 
brownish  points ;  the  fins  all  dusky,  the  inner  side  of  pectorals  and 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    119 

ventrals  and  at  least  the  anterior  part  of  the  anal  black. 

This  species  is  represented  by  20  specimens,  ranging  in  length 
from  185  to  585  mm. 

Known  from  Sinaloa,  Mexico,  to  Panama.  Our  specimens  are 
from  Chame  Point  and  Balboa. 

68.  Netuma  kessleri  (Steindachner). 

Arius  kessleri   Steindachner,    (Sitzb.   k.   Ak.   Wiss.   Wien,   LXXII) 

Ichth.  Beitr.,  IV,  1875,  24,  PI.  V   (Altata;  Panama);  Jordan  & 

Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  II,  1882  (1883),  40  (Panama). 

Tachisurus  kessleri  Eigenmann  &  Eigenmann,  Occ.  Pap.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci., 

1890,  69. 
Netuma  kessleri  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  26 

(Panama  Bay). 

Galeichthys  kessleri  Regan,  Biol.  Cent.  Amer.,  Pise.,  1907,  121   (Pan- 
ama). 

Head  3.1  to  3.9;  depth  5  to  6.3;  D.  I,  7;  A.  18  to  20. 
Body  low  and  broad,  broader  than  deep  at  origin  of  dorsal ;  head 
broad,  depressed;  snout  long,  broadly  rounded,  rather  strongly  pro- 
jecting, 3  to  3.2  in  head;  eye  very  small,  its  posterior  margin  notably 
nearer  tip  of  snout  than  upper  angle  of  gill-opening,  7.7  to  n  in 
head;  interorbital  2.1  to  2.5;  mouth  broad,  its  angle  reaching  a  little 
beyond  posterior  nostril;  teeth  on  the  jaws  all  pointed,  those  on  the 
upper  jaw  in  a  broad,  continuous  band,  its  width  about  4  in  its  length, 
about  half  the  width  of  band  exposed  when  mouth  is  closed;  teeth 
on  the  lower  jaw  in  a  band  about  three-fourths  as  wide  as  the  band 
on  upper  jaw,  well  separated  at  symphysis,  tapering  to  a  point  poster- 
iorly, reaching  well  beyond  angle  of  mouth;  vomerine  and  palatine 
teeth  bluntish;  the  vomerine  patches  sometimes  united,  sometimes 
narrowly  separated  in  middle,  more  or  less  distinctly  separated 
from  the  palatine-pterygoid  patches  by  a  line;  the  palatine-pterygoid 
patches  triangular  in  shape,  tapering  to  a  point  posteriorly;  old  indi- 
viduals with  a  patch  of  teeth,  varying  greatly  in  size  with  age,  behind 
the  palatine-pterygoid  patches;  maxillary  barbels  reaching  about  to 
margin  of  gill-covers;  gill-rakers  8  or  9;  distance  from  tip  of  snout 
to  origin  of  dorsal  2.2  to  2.8  in  length;  upper  surface  of  the  head 
rather  strongly  granular;  occipital  process  long,  of  moderate  width, 
its  width  at  base  about  1.7  in  its  length,  the  lateral  margins  nearly 
straight,  with  a  rather  sharp  keel;  a  broad  frontal  depression  present, 
but  no  groove;  interorbital  area  and  snout  smooth  or  with  low  broad 
ridges,  the  granules  extending  forward  to  between  the  eyes  in  the 


I2O    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

larger  examples;  dorsal  spine  1.5  to  1.9  in  head;  adipose  fin  rather 
large,  the  posterior  margin  free,  its  base  2.5  to  3.1  in  head;  caudal 
fin  forked,  the  upper  lobe  the  longer;  anal  fin  moderate,  somewhat 
elevated  anteriorly,  the  outer  margin  usually  slightly  concave,  its  base 
2  to  2.4  in  head ;  ventral  fins  notably  longer  in  the  female  than  in  male, 
inserted  about  equidistant  from  base  of  pectoral  spine  and  base  of  last 
anal  ray;  pectoral  spine  strong,  1.4  to  1.7  in  head. 

Color  brownish  or  blackish  above ;  lower  parts  pale,  with  or  without 
punctulations ;  the  fins  usually  dusky,  the  paired  fins  pale  in  some 
specimens  and  largely  black  in  others. 

This  fish  is  represented  by  18  specimens  in  the  present  collection, 
ranging  in  length  from  195  to  470  mm.  This  species  does  not  appear 
to  ascend  tide  streams,  as  all  of  our  specimens  are  from  strictly  salt 
water.  A  common  food  fish. 

Known  from  Sinaloa,  Mexico,  to  Guayaquil,  Ecuador.  Our  speci- 
mens are  from  Balboa  and  the  Panama  City  market. 

69.  Netuma  oscula  (Jordan  &  Gilbert). 

Arms  osculus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish.  Comm.,  II,   1882 

(1883),  46  (Panama). 
Netuma  oscula  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  127,  and  1898,  2768;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci., 

IV,  1904,  28  (Panama  Bay). 
Tachisurus  osculus  Eigenmann  &  Eigenmann,  Occ.  Pap.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci., 

1890,  74  (Panama). 

Head  3.05  to  3.2;  depth  4.9  to  5.7;  D.  I,  7;  A.  18  to  21. 

Body  rather  low,  broad,  at  least  as  wide  as  deep  at  origin  of  dorsal ; 
head  broad,  depressed;  snout  very  long  and  broad,  obtusely  rounded 
anteriorly,  projecting  very  prominently,  3  to  3.4  in  head ;  eye  very  small, 
its  posterior  margin  notably  nearer  tip  of  snout  than  margin  of  opercle, 
9.1  to  1 1. 2  in  head;  interorbital,  2.2  to  2.65;  mouth  broad,  its  angle 
reaching  well  beyond  posterior  nostril ;  teeth  on  upper  jaw  all  pointed, 
in  a  broad  continuous  band,  with  or  without  a  line  in  middle,  its  width 
being  equal  to  about  one- fourth  its  length,  not  quite  reaching  angle  of 
mouth,  about  three-fourths  of  the  band  exposed  when  mouth  is  closed ; 
teeth  on  lower  jaw  pointed,  the  band  less  than  half  the  width  of  the 
one  on  upper  jaw,  well  separated  at  symphysis,  tapering  to  a  point 
posteriorly  and  reaching  beyond  angle  of  mouth ;  vomerine  and  palatine 
teeth  slightly  bluntish,  the  vomerine  patches  small,  about  three-fourths 
size  of  eye,  separated  from  each  other  each  by  a  constriction  and  a  deep 
line  and.  from  the  large  palatine-pterygoid  patches  by  an  indistinct 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    121 

line;  the  palatine-pterygoid  patches  more  or  less  triangular  in  shape, 
broad  anteriorly,  tapering  rather  abruptly  posteriorly;  old  individuals 
with  a  patch  of  teeth  on  each  side  behind  the  palatine-pterygoid  patch, 
varying  in  size  according  to  age ;  maxillary  barbel  reaching  about  to 
base  of  pectoral  spine ;  gill-rakers  9  or  10;  distance  from  tip  of  snout  to 
origin  of  dorsal  2.3  to  2.5  in  length;  upper  surface  of  head  rough, 
granular;  occipital  process  very  long  and  narrow,  its  width  at  base 
equal  to  only  about  half  the  length,  tapering  posteriorly,  its  lateral 
margins  straight  to  slightly  convex,  with  sharp  keel  in  young,  this  low 
and  blunt  in  adult ;  a  large  frontal  depression  present  but  no  f ontanel 
groove;  interorbital  area  and  snout  with  smooth  skin  and  very  low 
ridges;  dorsal  spine  1.75  to  1.9  in  head;  adipose  fin  rather  long,  the 
posterior  margin  free,  its  base  2.3  to  2.65  in  head ;  caudal  fin  forked, 
the  upper  lobe  the  longer;  anal  fin  moderate,  somewhat  elevated  an- 
teriorly, the  outer  margin  usually  slightly  concave,  its  base  2.  to  2.2 
in  head ;  ventral  fins  moderate,  failing  to  reach  origin  of  anal,  inserted 
slightly  nearer  base  of  pectoral  spine  than  base  of  last  anal  ray  or 
equidistant  from  these  two  points;  pectoral  spine  strong,  1.7  to  2  in 
head. 

Color  dark  brownish  above;  pale  silvery  below;  the  fins  greenish, 
with  dark  punctulations. 

There  are  n  specimens  of  this  species  in  the  present  collection, 
ranging  in  length  from  250  to  470  mm.  This  species  differs  from 
N.  planiceps  in  several  respects,  viz.,  in  the  lower  and  broader  body, 
the  longer  and  broader  head,  the  longer  and  much  more  prominently 
projecting  snout,  the  longer  and  narrower  occipital  process,  the  smaller 
and  more  anteriorly  placed  eye,  etc.  It  is  probable  that  the  specimens 
identified  by  Gilbert  &  Starks  (1904)  as-  N.  oscula  belong  to  N.  plani- 
ceps, as  these  authors  state  that  their  specimens  differed  only  in  having 
a  smaller  mouth  and  a  shorter  band  of  teeth  on  upper  jaw.  These 
characters  are  more  or  less  variable  in  N.  planiceps  and  it  is  improb- 
able that  the  many  differences  enumerated  above  would  have  been 
overlooked.  It  is  also  noteworthy  that  all  of  our  specimens  of  N.  os- 
cula were  taken  in  brackish  tide  streams,  while  N.  planiceps  was  found 
only  in  strictly  salt  water.  This  species  is-  very  closely  related  to  N. 
kessleri,  if  in  fact  distinct  from  it.  The  only  difference  which  we  find 
that  appears  to  be  at  all  constant  is  the  narrower  occipital  process  in 
the  present  species.  The  snout  appears  to  project  a  little  more  strong- 
ly and  the  teeth  on  the  vomer  are  always-  in  separate  patches,  having  a 
distinct  division  in  the  middle,  while  in  N.  kessleri  this  division  is 
often  wanting.  We  should,  however,  be  tempted  to  regard  the  two 


122   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

identical,  regardless  of  these  minor  structural  differences,  which  appear 
to  be  of  doubtful  value,  were  it  not  for  the  fact  that  all  of  our  specimens 
of  N.  oscula  were  taken  in  brackish  or  fresh  water,  while  all  those  of 
N.  kessleri  were  taken  in  strictly  salt  water,  thus  indicating  a  difference 
in  habits. 

Known  only  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama.  Our  specimens 
are  from  Corozal,  Canal  Zone,  and  Rio  Tuyra,  Marriganti,  Darien. 

31.  Genus  Arius  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes. 

Arius  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  XV,  1840,  52  (type 

Arius  grandicassis  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

This  genus  is  readily  recognized  by  the  absence  of  teeth  on  the 
vomer  and  by  the  broad,  granular  teeth  on  the  palatines.  The  palatine 
patches-  are  of  small  or  moderate  size  and  do  not  have  backward  pro- 
jections. 

KEY   TO   THE   SPECIES. 

a.  Anal  fin  long,  with  23  to  27  rays,  the  length  of  its  base  1.2  to 
1.5  in  head ;  palatine  patches  of  teeth  very  small,  not  very  blunt ; 
gill-rakers  13.  wiultiradiatus,  p.  123. 

aa.  Anal  fin  shorter,  usually  with  fewer  than  23  rays ;  palatine  teeth 
in  larger  patches  and  usually  coarser. 

b.  Teeth  on  upper  jaw  in  a  continuous  band  or  with  only  a  slight 
constriction  at  middle;  a  few  of  the  posterior  teeth  on  lower 
jaw  near  symphysis  blunt,  the  rest  pointed. 

c.  Upper  surface  of  head  covered  with  skin,  smooth  or  finely 
granular;  gill-rakers  12  or  13.  inelanopus,p.  124. 

cc.  Upper  surface  of  head  somewhat  rougher,  granular ;  gill-rakers 
10  or  ii. 

d.  Fontanel  groove  rarely  wanting;  if  present,  it  extends  from 
interorbital  nearly  to  occipital  process;  another  small,  elongate 
groove  or  pit  on  snout.  -furthii,  p.  125. 

dd.  Fontanel  groove  continuous  from  between  posterior  nostrils 
backward  nearly  to  occipital  process.  steindachneri,  p.  127. 

bb.  Teeth  on  upper  jaw  in  2  quadrate  patches,  slightly  longer  than 
broad,  well  separated  by  a  median  line  and  constriction;  teeth 
on  lower  jaw  in  a  broad  band,  most  of  the  teeth  blunt,  only 
those  on  anterior  margin  of  band  pointed;  gill-rakers  13  or  14. 

tuyra  sp.  nov.,  p.  128. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    123 

70.  Anus  multiradiatus  Giinther. 

Bagrus   ( ?)   arioides  Kner,  Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Munch.,   1863,  227 

(Rio  Bayano,  Panama;  not  of  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 
Arius  multiradiatus  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  V,  1864,  J73  (based 

on  Bagrus  (  ?)  arioides  Kner)  ;  Boulenger,  Boll.  Mus  Zool.  Anat. 

Torino,  XIV,  No.  346,  1899,  2  (Rio  Cianati,  Darien)  ;  Regan,  Biol. 

Cent.  Amer.,  Pise.,  1907,  128  (Panama). 
Tachysurus  emmelane  Gilbert,  in  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  2785. 
Tachysurus  multiradiatus  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.   Cal.  Ac.   Sci., 

IV,  1904,  33. 

Head  3.3  to  3.9;  depth  4.25  to  4.6;  D.  I,  7;  A.  23  to  27. 

Body  rather  slender,  the  depth  considerably  greater  than  the  width 
at  origin  of  dorsal;  tail  compressed;  head  rather  narrow;  snout  low, 
obtuse,  moderately  projecting,  its  length  3  to  3.6  in  head;  eye  4.8  to 
6.9;  interorbital  1.85  to  2.2;  mouth  transverse,  its  angle  under  posterior 
nostril;  teeth  in  upper  jaw  all  pointed,  in  a  rather  narrower  band 
than  in  related  species,  not  extending  to  angle  of  mouth,  a  slight 
constriction  on  median  line ;  a  few  blunt  teeth  near  symphysis  on  lower 
jaw,  the  others  pointed,  the  band  narrow,  reaching  beyond  angle  of 
mouth;  vomerine  teeth  none;  palatine  teeth  weak,  less  blunt  than  in 
related  species,  the  patches  very  small,  separated  by  a  distance  equal  to 
half  the  diameter  of  eye;  maxillary  barbel  usually  reaching  base  of 
pectoral,  varying  considerably  among  specimens;  gill-rakers  13;  dis- 
tance from  tip  of  snout  to  origin  of  dorsal  2.45  to  2.75  in  length; 
upper  surface  of  head  rather  finely  granular,  without  distinct  ridges 
on  interorbital  area;  occipital  process  about  as  broad  as  long,  tapering 
posteriorly,  its  lateral  margins  concave,  its  keel  not  very  sharp;  a 
frontal  depression  more  or  less  strongly  developed,  varying  among 
individuals;  fontanel  groove  present  on  occiput,  extending  backward 
to  within  half  an  eye's  diameter  of  the  occipital  process,  also  developed 
as  an  elongate  pit  on  snout,  very  similar  to  typical  examples  of 
A.  fiirthii;  dorsal  spine  1.15  to  1.65  in  head;  adipose  fin  rather  small, 
free  posteriorly,  its  base  2.9  to  4  in  head ;  caudal  fin  very  deeply  lunate, 
short,  the  upper  lobe  the  longer ;  anal  fin  anteriorly  somewhat  elevated, 
the  outer  margin  usually  slightly  concave,  its  base  1.2  to  1.5  in  head; 
ventral  fins  rather  short,  reaching  nearly  or  quite  to  origin  of  anal, 
inserted  about  equidistant  from  base  of  pectoral  spine  and  middle  of 
base  of  anal;  pectoral  spine  rather  long,  1.25  to  1.6  in  head. 

Color  bluish  black  above ;  silvery  below ;  dorsal  and  caudal  greenish, 
the  other  fins  pale  with  dusky  points,  in  some  specimens  the  inner 


124    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

surface  of  the  pectorals  and  ventrals  and  the  anterior  part  of  anal 
mostly  black. 

This  species  is  here  described  from  12  specimens,  ranging  in  length 
from  175  to  285  mm.  It  may  be  distinguished  from  A.  fiirthii  by  the 
longer  anal  and  the  much  smaller  patches  of  palatine  teeth.  The  sexual 
differences  are  externally  not  well  marked. 

Known  only  from  the  west  coast  of  Panama.  Our  specimens  are 
from  Chame  Point,  Balboa  and  the  Panama  City  market. 

71.  Arius  melanopus  Giinther. 

Arms  melanopus  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  V,  1864,  172   (Rio 

Motagua,  Guatemala)  ;  Regan,  Biol.  Cent.  Amer.,  Pise.,  1907,  126, 

PI.  XVIII,  fig.  i,  and  PI.  XIX,  fig.  7  (Rio  Motagua,  Guatemala). 
Tachysurus  melanopus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  132  and  1898,  2784. 
Galeichthys  aguadulce  Meek,  Field  Col.  Mus.  Pub.,  Zool.  Ser.,  V,  1904, 

9,  fig.  4  (Rio  Papaloapam,  Mexico). 

Head  3.5  to  3.7;  depth  4.05  to  4.7;  D.  I,  7;  A.  22  to  24. 

Body  rather  slender,  notably  deeper  than  broad  at  origin  of  dorsal ; 
the  tail  compressed;  head  rather  narrow,  low;  snout  obtusely  rounded, 
projecting,  3.1  to  3.4  in  head;  eye  5.25  to  7.2;  interorbital  2  to  2.5; 
mouth  transverse,  its  angle  under  posterior  nostril;  teeth  in  upper 
jaw  all  pointed,  in  a  rather  broad  band  with  a  slight  constriction  in 
the  middle,  failing  to  reach  angle  of  mouth;  band  in  lower  jaw  slightly 
narrower  than  the  one  in  upper  jaw,  broadly  separated  on  median  line, 
tapering  posteriorly,  reaching  a  little  beyond  angle  of  mouth,  the 
posterior  teeth  at  symphysis  blunt,  the  others  pointed;  vomerine 
teeth  wanting ;  palatine  teeth  blunt,  in  rather  large  club-shaped  patches, 
or  small  rectangular  patches,  varying  greatly  among  individuals ; 
maxillary  barbel  reaching  opposite  middle,  or  beyond  middle  of  pectoral 
spine;  gill-rakers  12  or  13;  distance  from  tip  of  snout  to  origin  of 
dorsal  2.5  to  2.6  in  length;  top  of  head  covered  with  skin,  smooth  or 
finely  granular;  occipital  process  about  as  broad  at  base  as  long,  its 
lateral  margins  concave,  with  a  moderately  sharp  keel ;  f  ontanel  groove 
rather  prominent,  extending  nearly  to  occipital  process,  usually 
developed  as  a  small  pit  on  snout ;  no  ridges  on  interorbital  area ; 
dorsal  spine  1 .2  to  1 .4  in  head ;  adipose  fin  rather  small,  its  posterior 
margin  free,  its  base  3.3  to  4.7  in  head ;  caudal  fin  very  deeply  lunate, 
the  lobes  short,  rather  pointed,  the  upper  slightly  the  longer;  anal  fin 
anteriorly  somewhat  elevated,  the  outer  margin  usually  distinctly 
concave,  its  base  1.3  to  1.5  in  head;  ventral  fins  rather  small,  usually 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    125 

reaching  about  to  origin  of  anal,  inserted  a  little  nearer  middle  of 
base  of  anal  than  origin  of  pectoral  spine;  pectoral  spine  slender,  1.3 
to  1.5  in  head. 

Color  bluish  or  slightly  brownish  above ;  silvery  below ;  dorsal  and 
caudal  greenish  dusky;  the  other  fins  pale  with  few  or  many  dark 
points,  the  distal  parts  of  pectorals  and  ventrals  and  the  distal  part 
of  the  anterior  rays  of  anal  sometimes  black  or  dusky. 

There  are  over  100  specimens  in  the  collection,  ranging  from  50 
to  240  mm.  in  length.  It  is  a  very  common  fish  on  the  Atlantic  coast 
of  Panama  and  the  only  species  having  6  barbels.  It  is  most  abundant 
on  coral  reefs  and  is  rarely  taken  with  drag  nets.  Although  it  attains 
only  a  small  size,  smaller  than  the  Pacific  coast  species  of  the  genus, 
it  is  nevertheless  a  food  fish  of  importance  and  may  be  seen  on  the 
Colon  fish  market  almost  daily.  Our  specimens  appear  to  differ 
somewhat  from  the  types  as  described  by  Giinther  and  later  by  Regan 
in  the  apparently  longer  anal  fin,  there  being  22  to  24  rays  instead 
of  21  given  by  Giinther  and  19  to  21  by  Regan.  Regan  gives  n 
gill- rakers  on  the  lower  limb  of  the  first  arch,  while  we  find  12  or 
13  in  the  6  specimens  examined  for  this  character.  The  head  appears 
to  be  smoother  in  our  specimens  than  figured  by  Regan,  but  as  there 
is  considerable  variation  in  this  respect  among  specimens,  it  is  probably 
of  no  specific  value.  The  anal  rays  are  rather  difficult  to  enumerate 
and  the  gill-rakers  can  only  be  seen  when  the  arch  is  removed  or  the 
gill-cover  cut  so  that  it  may  be  lifted.  It  is  possible  that  errors  may 
have  arisen  in  these  counts,  we  therefore  regard  our  specimens  as 
identical  with  A.  melanopus.  This  species  is  extremely  closely  allied 
to  A.  fiirthii  from  which  it  can  scarcely  be  distinguished.  The  head 
is,  however,  usually  notably  smoother,  never  with  ridges  or  prominent 
granules,  and  the  gill-rakers  are  more  numerous.  The  sexual 
differences  are  externally  not  evident. 

Known  from  Rio  Papaloapam,  Mexico,  to  Panama.  Our  specimens 
are  from  Toro  Point,  Mindi  Reef,  and  Colon. 

72.  Arius  fiirthii  Steindachner. 

Arias   fiirthii   Steindachner,    (Sitzb.   k.    Ak.    Wiss.    Wien,    LXXII) 

Ichth.  Beitr.,  IV,  1875,  29  (Panama). 
Tachisurus  fiirthi  Eigenmann  &  Eigenmann,  Occ.  Pap.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci., 

1890,  90   (Panama). 
Tachysurus  fiirthii  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  132,  and  1898,  2787  (Panama)  ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir. 

Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  32  (Panama  Bay). 


126   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Tachysurus  evermanni  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  32,  PI.  V,  fig.  10  (Panama  Bay). 
Arms  fuerthn  Regan,  Biol.  Cent.  Amer.,  Pise.,  1907,  127,  PI.  XVIII, 

fig.  2,  and  PI.  XIX,  fig.  8  (Panama). 

Head  3.3  to  3.8 ;  depth  4  to  4.35 ;  D.  I,  7 ;  A.  20  to  23. 

Body  rather  robust,  somewhat  deeper  than  broad  at  origin  of 
dorsal,  posteriorly  compressed;  head  broad,  tapering  forward;  snout 
rather  narrow,  little  projecting,  its  length  3.3  to  3.6  in  head ;  eye  6  to 
7.4;  interorbital  2  to  2.2;  mouth  transverse,  its  angle  under  posterior 
nostril;  teeth  on  upper  jaw  all  villiform,  in  a  continuous  band,  not 
reaching  angle  of  mouth ;  teeth  on  lower  jaw  all  pointed,  except  the 
posterior  ones  near  symphysis,  these  blunt  like  those  on  palatine,  the 
band  broadly  separated  on  median  line,  becoming  narrow  posteriorly 
but  not  ending  in  a  sharp  point,  reaching  well  beyond  angle  of  mouth ; 
vomerine  teeth  wanting;  palatine  teeth  blunt,  in  rather  large,  more 
or  less  definitely  triangular-shaped  patches;  maxillary  barbel  usually 
reaching  to  or  beyond  base  of  pectoral  spine;  gill-rakers  10  or  u; 
distance  from  tip  of  snout  to  origin  of  dorsal  2.4  to  2.65  in  length ; 
top  of  head  with  granules,  rougher  in  some  specimens  than  in  others ; 
the  occipital  process  about  as  broad  at  base  as  long,  with  or  without 
a  sharp  median  keel ;  interorbital  area  sometimes  with  4  prominent 
ridges,  2  nearly  parallel  ones  on  each  side  of  the  frontal  depression, 
2  oblique  ones  on  the  outside  of  these,  extending  inward  and  backward 
from  near  the  posterior  nostrils,  these  ridges  low  in  some  specimens 
and  wanting  in  others ;  frontal  depression  obsolete  in  specimens  not 
having  ridges,  but  usually  with  a  fontanel  groove  posteriorly, 
sometimes  reaching  forward  nearly  to  interorbital  and  backward  nearly 
to  occipital  process,  another  short  groove  on  snout,  the  latter  sometimes 
obsolete;  dorsal  spine  1.3  to  1.35  in  head;  adipose  fin  moderate,  its 
posterior  margin  free,  its  base  3.1  to  4.4  in  head;  caudal  fin  very 
deeply  lunate,  the  lobes  short,  the  upper  one  longest ;  anal  fin  anteriorly 
somewhat  more  strongly  elevated  in  the  female  than  in  the  male, 
making  the  margin  concave,  its  base  1.2  to  1.6  in  head;  ventral  fins 
moderate,  failing  to  reach  origin  of  anal  in  male,  but  reaching  to  or 
a  little  beyond  origin  of  anal  in  female,  inserted  about  equidistant 
from  base  of  pectoral  spine  and  middle  of  base  of  anal ;  pectoral  spine 
rather  long,  1.25  to  1.35  in  head. 

Color  bluish  above;  pale  silvery  below;  dorsal  and  caudal  greenish 
dusky,  the  other  fins  mostly  pale. 

This  abundant  species  is  represented  by  about  70  specimens, 
ranging  in  length  from  210  to  275  mm.  The  sculpturing  of  the  head, 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    127 

as  shown  in  the  description,  is  very  variable  and  is  apt  to  lead  one 
into  difficulties.  We  are  able  to  determine  from  our  large  series  that 
A.  evermanni  is  a  synonym  of  the  present  species,  but  we  are  uncertain 
about  A.  steindachneri,  which  we  are  not  quite  able  to  connect  with 
A.  ftirthii  by  successive  steps  as  in  A.  evermanni.  We,  therefore, 
are  retaining  it  as  a  separate  species,  but  of  very  doubtful  value. 

Known  only  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama.  Our  specimens 
are  from  Balboa  and  the  Panama  City  market. 

73.  Arius  steindachneri  (Gilbert  &  Starks). 

Arius  melanopus  Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien,  LXXII) 

Ichth.    Beitr.,    IV,    1875,    29    (Panama;    not    Arms    melanopus 

Giinther). 
Tachysurus  steindachneri  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.   Cal.  Ac.  Sci., 

IV,  1904,  29,  PI.  V,  fig.  9  (Panama  Bay). 

Head  3.75  to  3.9;  depth  4.45  to  475;  D.  I,  7;  A.  19  to  22. 

Body  moderately  robust,  the  depth  exceeding  the  width  at  origin 
of  dorsal,  posteriorly  compressed;  head  moderate,  tapering  forward; 
snout  rather  narrow,  moderately  projecting,  2.5  in  head;  eye  4.6  to 
4.7;  interorbital  2.15  to  2.5  ;  mouth  transverse,  its  angle  under  posterior 
nostril;  teeth  as  in  A.  furthii;  maxillary  barbel  reaching  to  middle  of 
pectoral  spine ;  gill-rakers  u ;  distance  from  tip  of  snout  to  origin  of 
dorsal  2.6  to  2.7  in  length;  sculpturing  of  head  very  similar  to  that 
variety  of  A.  furthii  that  has  no  prominent  ridges  on  head  and  no 
prominent  fontanel  depression,  differing  only  in  having  the  frontal 
groove  continuous  from  between  posterior  nostrils  to  within  half 
diameter  of  eye  from  occipital  process;  dorsal  spine  1.25  in  head; 
adipose  fin  moderate,  its  posterior  margin  free,  inserted  a  little  behind 
origin  of  anal,  its  base  2.75  to  3  in  head;  caudal  fin  deeply  lunate; 
anal  fin  anteriorly  moderately  elevated,  its  outer  margin  a  little  concave, 
its  base  1.4  to  1.45  in  head;  ventrals  moderate,  inserted  about  equi- 
distant from  base  of  pectorals  and  middle  of  base  of  anal;  pectoral 
spine  moderate,  1.3  to  1.35  in  head. 

Color  bluish  above;  pale  silvery  below;  fins  all  with  dark  points, 
the  pectorals,  ventrals  and  anterior  part  of  anal  largely  black  in  our 
smallest  specimen. 

We  have  3  specimens,  respectively  135,  175  and  180  mm.  in 
length,  upon  which  the  above  description  is  based.  They  differ  from 
A.  furthii  only  in  having  the  fontanel  groove  continuous  from  between 
the  posterior  nostril  to  within  a  short  distance  from  the  occipital 


128    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

process.     This  was,  however,  shown  to  be  a  very  variable  character 
in  A.  furthii,  and  of  very  doubtful  value. 

Known  only  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama.  Our  specimens 
are  from  Balboa. 

74.  Arius  tuyra  sp.  nov.     (Plate  V.) 

Type  No.  79413,  U.  S.  N.  M.;  length  260  mm.;  Rio  Tuyra,  mouth 
of  Rio  Yape,  Darien,  Panama. 

Head  3.5  to  4 ;  depth  4.4  to  5 ;  D.  I,  7 ;  A.  20. 

Body  rather  slender,  notably  deeper  than  broad  at  origin  of  dorsal ; 
tail  compressed;  head  narrow;  snout  tapering,  rather  pointed, 
projecting,  2.85  to  3.3  in  head;  eye  5.5  to  7.2;  interorbital  2.15  to  2.45  ; 
mouth  small,  its  angle  under  posterior  nostril;  the  lips  apparently 
varying  greatly  in  thickness,  very  heavy  in  some  individuals,  thin  in 
others,  this  regardless  of  sex  or  spawning  condition;  teeth  on  upper 
jaw  pointed,  in  2  quadrate  patches,  slightly  longer  than  broad, 
separated  by  a  median  line  and  constriction,  not  nearly  reaching  angle 
of  mouth;  lower  jaw  mostly  with  blunt  teeth,  only  those  on  anterior 
margin  of  band  pointed,  the  band  very  broad,  exceeding  in  width  the 
patches  on  upper  jaw;  vomerine  teeth  wanting;  palatine  patches 
elongate,  well  separated,  rather  small,  the  teeth  very  coarse,  paved; 
maxillary  barbel  reaching  to  or  beyond  base  of  pectoral  spine; 
gill-rakers  13  or  14;  distance  from  tip  of  snout  to  origin  of  dorsal  2.3 
to  2.5  in  length;  the  upper  surface  of  head  finely  granular,  varying 
somewhat  among  individuals ;  the  occipital  process  notably  longer  than 
broad  at  base,  with  a  rather  prominent  median  keel;  fontanel  groove 
failing  to  reach  occipital  process  by  half  the  diameter  of  eye, 
appearing  on  snout  as  an  elongate  pit,  the  latter  obsolete  in  one 
specimen ;  no  prominent  ridges  on  interorbital  region ;  dorsal  spine 
1.2  to  1.5  in  head;  adipose  fin  moderate,  the  posterior  margin  free, 
its  base  3.75  to  4.1  in  head;  caudal  fin  forked,  the  lobes  rather  long, 
pointed,  the  upper  one  longest;  anal  fin  rather  strongly  elevated,  the 
outer  margin  concave,  its  base  1.5  to  1.8  in  head;  ventral  fins,  inserted 
a  little  nearer  middle  of  base  of  anal  than  base  of  pectoral  spine; 
pectoral  spine  1.4  to  1.7  in  head. 

Color  bluish  or  slightly  brownish  above;  silvery  below;  the  fins 
greenish,  with  more  or  less  dusky,  the  inner  side  of  pectorals  and 
ventrals  often  mostly  black. 

This  species  is  represented  by  13  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from 
95  to  290  mm.  These  fish  were  all  taken  in  fresh  or  brackish  water, 
some  of  them  25  miles  above  the  head  of  the  tide.  A  very  remarkable 


OF  rift 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    129 

variation  occurs  with  respect  to  the  thickness  of  the  lips,  which  does 
not  seem  to  be  related  to  sex,  age  or  spawning  condition.  If  we  had 
had  only  the  extremes,  we  should  have  regarded  them  as  distinct,  but 
fortunately  we  have  a  few  intermediate  specimens  which  show  rather 
conclusively  that  the  size  of  the  lips  has  no  specific  value.  The  sexual 
differences  are  externally  not  evident.  The  species  differs  from  all 
related  forms  in  the  dentition,  the  teeth  in  upper  jaw  being  in  2 
quadrate  patches,  the  teeth  in  lower  jaw  mostly  blunt  and  in  a  very 
broad  band  and  the  palatine  teeth  coarser  and  blunter.  The  form 
is  rather  more  elongate,  the  occipital  process  longer  and  the  tail  with 
longer  and  more  pointed  lobes. 

Our  specimens  are  from  the  Rio  Tuyra,  at  Marriganti,  Boca  de 
Yape  and  Boca  de  Cupe. 

32.  Genus  Cathorops  Jordan  &  Gilbert. 

Cathorops  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  II,  1882  (1883), 

54  (type  Arius  hypophthalmus  Steindachner). 

This  genus  is  characterized  by  the  numerous  gill-rakers,  there  being 
not  fewer  than  30  on  the  lower  limb  of  the  first  arch.  The  eye  is 
placed  low,  partly  below  the  level  of  the  mouth. 

KEY  TO  THE   SPECIES. 

a.       Snout  strongly  projecting;  width  of  mouth  2.5  in  head. 

hypophthalmus,  p.  129. 
aa.     Snout  little  projecting;  width  of  mouth  2  in  head. 

gulosus,  p.  130. 

75.  Cathorops  hypophthalmus  (Steindachner). 
Arius  hypophthalmus  Steindachner,  (Sitz.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien,  LXXII) 
Ichth.  Beitr.,  IV,  1875,  31,  PI.  X  (Panama)  ;  Regan,  Biol.  Cent. 
Amer.,  Pise.,  1907,  128. 

Cathorops  hypophthalmus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 
II,  1882  (1883),  53  (Panama);  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S. 
Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  133;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac. 
Sci.,  IV,  1904,  33. 

Tachisurus  hypophthalmus  Eigenmann  &  Eigenmann,  Proc.  Cal.  Ac. 
Sci.,  2nd  Sen,  I,  1888,  146,  and  Occ.  Pap.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  1890,  92 
(Name  only). 

"Head  3^.  A.  22.  Body  elongate;  head  long,  narrow,  depressed; 
palatine  teeth  small,  bluntly  conic,  almost  granular;  vomerine  bands 
widely  separate,  each  confluent  with  the  large  palatine  band,  which  is 
not  produced  backward ;  both  jaws  thin,  depressed,  with  narrow  bands 


130    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

of  teeth;  barbels  very  long;  the  maxillary  reaching  near  middle  of 
pectoral  spine ;  dorsal  spine  long ;  pectoral  shorter ;  dorsal  shield  small ; 
occipital  process  subtriangular,  longer  than  broad,  its  sides  concave, 
its  middle  angular  but  not  keeled ;  f  ontanelle  long  and  narrow,  not  quite 
reaching  occipital  process;  shields  of  head  rugose,  with  reticulating 
furrows.  Fins  mostly  pale.  Eye  small,  placed  low,  its  middle  below 
level  of  angle  of  mouth.  L.  14  inches."  (Jordan  &  Evermann.) 

This  fish  was  not  seen  by  us.  Recorded  from  Panama  by  Stein- 
dachner  and  by  Jordan  &  Gilbert.  Apparently  a  rare  species. 

Known  only  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama. 

76.  Cathorops  gulosus  (Eigenmann  &  Eigenmann). 

Tachisurus  gulosus  Eigenmann  &  Eigenmann,   Proc.   Cal.  Ac.   Sci., 

2nd  Ser.,   I,    1888,   146,  and  Occ.   Pap.   Cal.  Ac.   Sci.,   1890,  93 

(Panama). 
Cathorops  gulosus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  133;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  33 

(Panama). 

Head  3.4  to  3.5;  D.  I,  7;  A.  23. 

Body  elongate,  slender,  the  greatest  width  scarcely  less  than 
the  depth;  head  broad,  strongly  depressed,  its  greatest  width  1.5  in 
its  length;  snout  not  projecting;  eye  on  level  with  angle  of  mouth,  its 
diameter  8  in  head ;  interorbital  space  2 ;  mouth  rather  wide,  2.3  to  2.4 ; 
teeth  on  jaws  pointed;  the  band  on  upper  jaw  narrower  in  middle; 
the  band  on  lower  jaw  a  little  narrower;  vomerine  teeth  none;  palatine 
teeth  obtusely  conical,  the  patches  separated  by  a  distance  equal  to 
1.5  diameter  of  eye  or  less ;  maxillary  barbel  reaching  middle  of  pecto- 
ral spine  or  shorter;  gill-rakers  30;  distance  from  tip  of  snout  to 
origin  of  dorsal  2.5  in  length;  upper  surface  of  head  granular;  occi- 
pital process  about  as  long  as-  broad,  with  a  low  keel ;  f ontanel  groove 
narrow,  extending  backward  to  within  .75  diameter  of  eye  to  occipital 
process ;  fontanel  anteriorly  margined  by  bony  ridges ;  dorsal  spine 
1.33  in  head;  adipose  fin  as  high  as  long;  upper  lobe  of  caudal  the 
longer  and  more  sharply  pointed ;  anal  fin  with  outer  margin  concave ; 
pectoral  spine  1.6  in  head. 

Color  bluish  gray  above;  silvery  below;  dorsal  and  caudal  slightly 
dusky;  the  other  fins  plain. 

This  species  was  not  seen  by  us.  Recorded  from  Panama  by 
Eigenmann  &  Eigenmann  and  by  Gilbert  &  Starks.  A  rare  species, 
known  only  from  4  specimens  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama.  The 
above  description  is  compiled  from  published  accounts. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA — MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    131 

Order  VI.     Synbranchia. 
Family  XVII.    Synbranchidae. 

Body  eel-shaped;  the  tail  much  shorter  than  rest  of  body;  snout 
short;  eyes  anterior;  teeth  small,  the  palatine  teeth  in  a  band;  gill- 
openings  small,  confluent,  wholly  inferior ;  gills  4 ;  scales  wanting. 

33.  Genus  Synbranchus  Bloch. 

Synbranchus    Bloch,    Ichthyol.,    IX,    1795,    86    (type    Synbranchus 

marmoratus  Bloch). 
Unibranchapertura  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1803,  656   (type 

Synbranchus  marmoratus  Bloch). 
Ophisternon  McClelland,  Journ.  Nat.  Hist.  Calcutta,  V,  1844,  197  (type 

Ophisternon  bengalensis  McClelland). 

Characters  of  the  genus  are  included  in  the  family  description. 
A  single  American  species  is  known.  It  inhabits  fresh  water. 

77.  Synbranchus  marmoratus  Bloch. 

Synbranchus     marmoratus     Bloch,     Ichthyol.,     IX,     1795,     87,     PI. 

ccccxvm. 

Synbranchus    immaculatus    Bloch,     Ichthyol.,     IX,     1795,     87,     PI. 

CCCCXIX,  fig.  i. 
Synbranchus  transversalis  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichthyol.,  1801, 

524  (Guinea). 
Unibranchapertura  grisea  and  lineata  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss-.,  V, 

1803,  658  (Surinam). 
Synbranchus  fuliginosus  Ranzani,  Nov.  Comment.  Ac.  Sci.  Inst.  Bo- 

non.,  IV,  1840,  75,  PI.  XI,  fig.  I    (Brazil). 

Murcena  lumbricus  Gronow,  Cat.  Fish,  1854,  18  (Sea  of  Guinea). 
Synbranchus  vittatus  Castelnau,  Anim.  Nouv.  Rares  Amer.  Sud,  1855, 

84,  PI.  XLIV,  fig.  3  (Rio  de  Janeiro). 
Symbranchus  marmoratus  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.   Sci., 

IV,  1904,  34  (Miraflores)  ;  Evermann  &  Goldsborough,  Proc.  Biol. 

Soc.  Wash.,  XXII,  1909,  101  (Rio  Boqueron,  Panama). 

Body  elongate,  not  much  wider  than  deep ;  the  tail  short,  2.9  in  head 
and  trunk;  head  rather  large,  7.3  in  head  and  trunk;  depth  2.85  in 
head;  snout  blunt,  projecting  beyond  mouth,  6.65  in  head;  eye  small, 
anterior,  scarcely  half  as  long  as  snout;  mouth  large,  reaching  far 
beyond  eye;  the  gape  3.2  in  head  when  measured  from  tip  of  lower 


132    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

jaw  to  angle  of  mouth;  teeth  rather  blunt,  in  bands  on  jaws  and 
palatines ;  gill-opening  small,  roundish,  not  extending  to  the  edge  of  the 
ventral  surface;  origin  of  the  dorsal  slightly  in  advance  of  vent,  the 
fin  appearing  only  as  a  dermal  fold,  confluent  around  the  tail  with 
the  very  feebly  developed  anal;  pectoral  fins  wanting. 

Color  variable,  usually  variously  marbled  with  yellow.  The 
specimen  at  hand  is  uniform  dark  brown  above;  abdomen  pale;  sides 
and  lower  surface  of  head  spotted  or  punctulate  with  brown. 

A  single  specimen,  293  mm.  long,  was  picked  up  on  the  lower  Rio 
Cana,  Pacific  slope  of  Darien,  by  Mr.  E.  A.  Goldman,  having  been 
dropped,  uninjured,  by  a  bird.  The  species  was  not  seen  by  us 
during  our  extensive  collecting.  Gilbert  &  Starks  record  it  from 
Miraflores  on  the  Canal  Zone,  where  they  say  it  was  abundant  in  a 
fresh  water  pond  and  trapped  for  food.  These  authors  suggest  that 
it  burrows,  as  no  specimens  could  be  taken  with  a  seine.  This  eel  is 
also  recorded  from  Panama,  from  the  Rio  Boqueron,  an  upper 
tributary  of  the  Rio  Chagres,  by  Evermann  and  Goldsborough.  A 
record  of  this  specimen  should  have  been  included  in  our  report  on 
the  fresh  water  fishes  of  Panama,  but  it  was  overlooked  at  the  time 
that  report  was  prepared. 

Known  from  Cuba,  Vera  Cruz  to  La  Plata  and  Peru;  both  slopes 
of  Guatemala  and  Panama. 


Order  VII.     Carenchelyi. 
Family  XVIII.    Derichthyida. 

Body  anguilliform,  slender;  head  oblong;  snout  short;  eyes  lateral, 
in  anterior  half  of  head;  jaws  well  developed;  maxillaries  and  pre- 
maxillaries  developed;  anterior  nostrils  entirely  above  upper  lip,  not 
tubular ;  tongue  moderately  developed ;  branchial  apparatus  as  in 
Apodes,  the  apertures  lateral,  vertical,  in  front  of  pectorals. 

We  refer  our  single  specimen  tentatively  to  this  family,  which 
heretofore  has  been  represented  by  a  single  genus  and  species, 
apparently  based  upon  one  specimen  from  the  Gulf  Stream  taken  at 
39°  44'  30"  N.  lat.,  70°  04'  W.  Ion.,  at  a  depth  of  1,022  fathoms.  Our 
specimen  has  much  in  common  with  the  previously  described  repre- 
sentative of  this  family,  but  it  differs  in  the  absence  of  a  neck-like 
contraction,  the  vent  is  much  farther  forward,  the  mouth  is  smaller 
and  more  oblique,  the  dorsal  and  anal  fins  are  not  confluent  around 
the  tail,  and  the  pectoral  fins  are  not  bent  forward. 


umwit 
rag 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    133 
34  Genus  Gorgasia  gen.  nov. 

Type  Gorgasia  punctata  sp.  nov. 

Body  slender,  snake-like ;  head  oblong ;  snout  very  short ;  eye  large, 
lateral ;  nostrils  in  front  of  eyes,  the  anterior  pair  entirely  above  the 
upper  lip,  with  only  a  rudiment  of  a  tube;  mouth  moderate,  oblique, 
the  gape  not  extending  beyond  eye;  upper  lip  not  continuous  with  the 
skin  of  the  head  except  on  median  line  of  snout ;  teeth  pointed ;  tongue 
anteriorly  largely  free ;  pectoral  fins  present,  short,  rather  poorly  devel- 
oped ;  tip  of  tail  without  the  rudiment  of  a  fin,  ending  in  a  hard,  sharp 
edge ;  vent  much  in  advance  of  median  half  of  body. 

We  take  pleasure  in  naming  this  genus  for  the  late  General  William 
Crawford  Gorgas,  who  was  chief  sanitary  officer  on  the  Panama  Canal 
Zone  during  the  period  when  the  present  collections  were  made,  and 
through  whose  department  the  authors  received  invaluable  aid  while 
collecting  in  Panama. 

78.  Gorgasia  punctata  sp.  nov.     (Plate  VI.) 

Type  No.  82,222,  U.  S.  N.  M. ;  length  500  mm.;  Chame  Point, 
Panama. 

Body  nearly  round,  slender;  the  tail  very  long,  nearly  as  robust 
as  body,  2.6  times  the  length  of  the  rest  of  body,  1.37  in  total  length; 
head  moderate,  not  much  deeper  than  broad,  5.2  in  head  and  trunk ; 
depth  2.9  in  head ;  snout  very  short,  pointed,  scarcely  as  long  as  lower 
jaw,  8.7  in  head ;  eye  large,  lateral,  longer  than  snout,  6.85  in  head ; 
interorbital  expanding  rapidly  posteriorly,  its  least  width  10  in  head; 
mouth  small,  oblique;  the  gape  extending  under  posterior  margin  of 
pupil,  3.9  in  head  when  measured  from  tip  of  lower  jaw  to  angle  of 
mouth;  teeth  pointed,  in  narrow  bands  on  anterior  part  of  jaws, 
uniserial  at  sides,  directed  backward;  vomer  with  a  single  series  of 
rather  larger  recurved  teeth;  anterior  nostril  near  tip  of  snout,  but 
above  the  lip,  the  margin  elevated,  forming  a  slight  tube;  posterior 
nostril  elongate,  situated  in  front  of  eye;  the  upper  lip  not  continuous 
with  the  skin  of  the  head,  except  at  tip  of  snout;  gill-opening  small, 
lateral,  not  more  than  half  as  broad  as  isthmus ;  origin  of  dorsal  just 
behind  the  tip  of  pectoral;  the  vertical  fins  moderately  developed,  not 
confluent  around  the  tail;  pectoral  fins  small,  not  much  longer  than 
gill-opening,  7.45  in  head. 

Color  greenish  brown  above,  pale  below;  body  everywhere  except 
on  chin  with  dark  punctulations,  forming  small  spots  on  head  and 
anterior  part  of  body. 


134   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

A  single  specimen,  500  mm.  long,  of  this  peculiar  eel  was  sent 
from  Chame  Point  by  Mr.  Robert  Tweedlie. 


Order  VIII.     Apodes. 
Family  XIX.    Angufflidae. 

THE  TRUE  EELS. 

Body  elongate,  snake-like;  mouth  terminal  or  nearly  so;  teeth  in 
bands  on  jaws  and  vomer;  gill-openings  slit-like;  nostrils  double, 
rather  far  apart,  the  anterior  ending  in  a  short  tube;  air  bladder  with 
open  duct ;  vertebrae  numerous ;  the  tail  isocercal ;  scales  small,  linear, 
embedded,  oblique,  often  placed  at  right  angles  to  each  other;  dorsal 
fin  inserted  at  a  considerable  distance  from  the  head,  continuous  with 
anal  around  the  tail ;  pectorals  well  developed. 

One  genus  known,  consisting  of  probably  about  4  or  5  species. 
Widely  distributed,  found  in  most  tropical  and  temperate  waters,  but 
not  on  the  eastern  Pacific  coast. 

35.  Genus  Anguilla  Shaw. 

Anguilla  Shaw,  Gen.  Zool.,  IV,  1803,  15  (type  Anguilla  vulgaris  Shaw). 
The  characters  of  the  genus  are  included  in  the  family  description. 
A  single  American  species  is  known,  but  on  account  of  considerable 
variation  in  structure  and  color  it  has  been  given  many  names. 

79.  Anguilla  rostrata  (Le  Sueur). 

Murcena  rostrata   Le   Sueur,  Journ.   Ac.    Nat.    Sci.    Phila.,   I,    1817, 

8 1  (New  York).    For  complete  synonomy  see  Jordan  &  Evermann, 

Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  p.  348. 
Anguilla  rostrata  Evermann  &  Goldsborough,  Proc.  Biol.  Soc.  Wash., 

XXII,  1909,  101  (Caldera  Island,  Porto  Bello  Bay). 

Body  rather  robust,  the  depth  16  in  total  length;  head  broad,  de- 
pressed, much  broader  than  deep,  9.3  in  total  length;  snout  broad, 
5.3  in  head;  eye  lateral,  9.6;  mouth  horizontal,  rather  large,  the  gape 
reaching  nearly  to  posterior  margin  of  eye,  3.3  in  head;  the  lower 
jaw  projecting;  teeth  small,  in  bands  on  jaws  and  vomer;  nostrils 
remote  from  each  other,  the  anterior  one  slightly  behind  margin  of 
upper  jaw,  ending  in  a  short  tube;  gill-opening  rather  large,  just  in 
front  of  and  below  base  of  pectoral ;  vent  close  in  front  of  anal ;  scales 
small,  linear,  embedded,  oblique  and  usually  at  right  angles  to  each 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   135 

other;  origin  of  dorsal  about  half  as  far  from  origin  of  anal  as  from 
tip  of  snout;  dorsal  and  anal  confluent  around  caudal;  pectoral  fins 
rather  large,  1.9  in  head.  • 

Color  bluish  gray  above ;  pale  below. 

A  single  specimen,  990  mm.  long,  of  this  fresh  water  eel  was  seen. 
According  to  the  native,  who  caught  this  specimen  with  hook  and 
line,  the  species  is  not  very  rare  in  the  Rio  Trinidad.  It  is  appar- 
ently not  valued  as  food,  as  the  native  angler  was  cutting  small  pieces 
of  flesh  from  its  side  for  bait.  This  eel  should  have  been  included 
in  the  report  on  the  fresh  water  fishes  of  Panama,  but  it  was  over- 
looked when  that  report  was  prepared.  However,  as  it  goes  to  sea 
to  spawn,  and  spends  the  leptocephalid  stage  of  its  life  in  salt  water, 
it  is  not  out  of  place  in  the  present  work.  This  eel  produces  a  very 
large  number  of  eggs  which  are  deposited  in  mid-ocean.  The  young, 
or  leptocephalidae,  are  thin,  ribbon-shaped  and  transparent  as  in  some 
of  the  other  eels  and  undergo  a  metamorphosis.  Soon  after  reach- 
ing the  adult  form  they  migrate  to  fresh  water. 

This  eel  is  known  from  the  Atlantic  slope  of  North  America  from 
southern  Canada  to  Panama.  Our  specimen  is  from  the  Rio  Trinidad, 
the  largest  tributary  of  the  Rio  Chagres.  Also  recorded  from  Caldera 
Island,  Porto  Bello,  by  Evermann  &  Goldsborough. 

Family  XX.    Leptocephalidae. 

THE  CONGER  EELS. 

Body  formed  as  in  Anguilla,  elongate,  posteriorly  compressed; 
tongue  largely  free  in  front ;  posterior  nostril  well  above  the  lip,  near 
front  of  eye;  scales  entirely  wanting;  the  tail  surrounded  by  a  fin; 
pectoral  fins  well  developed. 

A  single  genus  (Ariosoma)  of  this  family  is  represented  in  the 
present  collection,  but  we  include  in  our  discussion  another  (Lepto- 
cephalus),  which  is  almost  cosmopolitan  in  its  distribution  and,  al- 
though not  taken  by  us,  it  doubtlessly  occurs  on  the  Atlantic  coast 
of  Panama. 

Numerous  specimens  of  larvae,  possibly  belonging  to  this  family, 
occur  in  our  collections.  These  we  are  able  to  separate  into  two 
apparently  distinct  forms.  One  form,  of  which  we  have  only  2 
apparently  very  young  specimens,  62  and  95  mm.  in  length,  may  be 
characterized  thus: 

Body  very  thin,  transparent,  ribbon-shaped,  rather  long  and  nar- 
row, the  depth  about  n  to  13  in  total  length;  head  small,  abruptly 


136   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

narrower  than  body,  pointed;  mouth  large,  terminal,  reaching  under 
middle  of  eye;  teeth  prominent,  hair-like,  directed  forward,  some  of 
them  projecting  beyond  mouth;  nostrils  both  above  lip,  the  anterior 
near  tip  of  snout,  the  posterior  close  in  front  of  eye;  gill-opening 
small,  lateral,  vertical  or  nearly  so;  dorsal  fin  not  developed  as  a 
true  fin,  appearing  as  a  cutaneous  fold  beginning  in  advance  of 
gill-opening;  anal  fin  fold  beginning  not  far  behind  head,  developed 
as  a  distinct  fin  behind  middle  of  body,  confluent  with  the  dorsal 
around  the  tail;  pectoral  fins  well  developed,  a  little  longer  than  eye. 

Of  the  other  form  we  have  many  specimens,  ranging  in  length 
from  45  to  120  mm.,  including  apparently  very  young  larvae,  which 
have  not  attained  the  largest  size  reached  in  the  larval  form,  and 
large  larvae,  120  mm.  long,  which  appear  to  be  the  maximum  size 
reached  by  the  larvae.  After  this  stage  is  reached  the  tissues  be- 
come more  compact,  the  body  becoming  thicker  and  shorter.  The 
body  in  the  form  at  hand  is  probably  reduced  to  a  length  of  about 
45  mm.,  as  we  have  a  specimen  of  that  size  which  has  essentially 
assumed  the  rounded  form  of  most  eels.  There  is  doubtlessly  con- 
siderable variation  in  this  respect  among  individuals,  as  indicated  by 
specimens  at  hand.  Although  we  have  a  fairly  complete  series  from 
the  very  young  to  and  approaching  the  adult  form  as  described 
above,  we  are  unable  to  identify  these  specimens  with  any  known 
form.  The  position  which  the  anterior  nostril  will  assume  in  the 
adult  is  uncertain.  In  our  oldest  specimen  it  is  still  above  the  lip, 
but  it  seems  probable  that  it  may  become  enveloped  in  the  lip  as  the 
latter  thickens.  The  place  of  origin  of  the  dorsal  fin  too  is  still  un- 
certain, as  a  cutaneous  fold  precedes  the  differentiated  portion.  A 
description  of  this  form  follows: 

Body  in  youngest  forms  very  thin,  transparent,  ribbon-shaped, 
notably  deeper  than  in  older  forms,  the  proportionate  depth  decreas- 
ing before  the  larva  reaches  its  greatest  length  (about  no  mm.),  a 
gradual  thickening  of  the  tissues  and  a  decrease  in  length  then  en- 
sues, until  reaching  a  length  of  approximately  45  mm.,  when  the 
body  becomes  essentially  eel-shaped;  depth  about  8  or  9  in  total 
length  in  young  larvae  90  mm.  in  length,  10  or  n  in  total  length  in 
larvae  having  reached  their  maximum  length  (about  115  mm.),  the 
proportions  remaining  about  the  same  thereafter,  the  length  and 
depth  decreasing  uniformly;  head  moderate;  snout  pointed,  project- 
ing moderately  beyond  the  mouth,  with  a  downward  curved  tip; 
mouth  large,  the  gape  reaching  under  posterior  margin  of  eye;  teeth 
long,  slender,  largest  in  youngest  forms,  reduced  in  the  older  ones; 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   137 

nostrils  not  labial,  the  anterior  near  tip  of  snout,  the  posterior  close 
in  front  of  eye;  gill-slits  small,  vertical;  a  cutaneous  fold  on  back 
beginning  on  head,  the  oldest  individuals  with  differentiated  fin  begin- 
ning about  equidistant  from  gill-opening  and  vent;  anal  fin  similar  in 
development  to  dorsal,  confluent  with  it  around  the  tail;  pectoral  fin 
a  mere  rudiment,  appearing  as  a  dermal  flap. 

The  two  larval  forms  above  described  may  readily  be  separated 
by  the  much  narrower  body,  comparing  specimens  of  like  size,  and  by 
the  well  developed  pectoral  fin  of  the  first  described  species.  We  have 
no  larval  specimens  of  Leptocephalus  conger  at  hand,  with  which 
species  most  larval  eels  which  have  been  taken  are  identified,  but  as 
this  eel  is  not  known  from  the  eastern  Pacific,  it  is  not  probable 
that  any  of  the  specimens  at  hand,  which  are  all  from  the  Pacific 
coast,  belong  to  that  species. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA. 

a.  Dorsal  fin  inserted  behind  base  of  pectoral;  vomer  with  a 
band  of  villiform  teeth.  Leptocephalus,  p.  137. 

aa.  Dorsal  fin  inserted  over  gill-opening;  vomer  with  a  broad 
quadrangular  or  triangular  patch  of  teeth  in  front,  not  elon- 
gated into  a  band.  Ariosoma,  p.  138. 

36.  Genus  Leptocephalus  Gronow. 

Leptocephalus    Gronow,    Zoophyl.,    1763,    135    (type    Leptocephalus 

morrisi  Gmelin).     For  complete  synonomy  see  Jordan  &  Ever- 

mann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  p.  353. 

Body   formed  as  in  Anguilla,   elongate,  posteriorly  compressed; 

head  depressed;  snout  pointed;  mouth  large,  extending  at  least  to 

below  middle  of  eye;  lower  jaw  projecting;  teeth  in  outer  series  in 

each  jaw  close   set,    forming  a   cutting  edge,   no   canines;   posterior 

nostril  near  eye,  anterior  nostril  near  tip  of  snout,  ending  in  a  short 

tube;  scales  wanting;  origin  of  the  dorsal  behind  pectorals;  dorsal 

and  anal  confluent  around  the  tail;  pectoral  fins  large. 

80.  Leptocephalus  conger  (Linnaeus). 

Murcena  conger  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  245  (Mediter- 
ranean). 

Leptocephalus  conger^  Jordan  &  Davis,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XVI, 
1888  (1892),  664.  For  complete  synonomy  see  Jordan  &  Evermann, 
Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  p.  354. 


138   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Body  elongate,  rounded;  the  tail  longer  than  rest  of  body;  head 
somewhat  depressed  above,  a  little  more  than  half  the  length  of 
trunk ;  depth  not  quite  equal  to  half  the  length  of  head ;  snout  acute,  3.25 
to  4.25  in  head;  eye  rather  small,  about  1.5  in  snout;  mouth  large, 
the  gape  reaching  under  posterior  margin  of  eye;  upper  lip  thick, 
with  conspicuous  pores;  lateral  line  with  large  pores;  origin  of  dor- 
sal over  tip  of  pectoral,  the  fin  rather  high,  similar  to  anal  and  con- 
fluent with  it  around  the  tail ;  pectoral  fins  moderate,  3.5  in  head. 

Color  black  or  dark  olive  green  above,  white  beneath;  vertical 
fins  with  black  margin. 

This  is  a  very  widely  distributed  eel,  found  almost  everywhere 
in  the  warmer  seas,  but  not  in  the  eastern  Pacific.  It  was  not  taken 
by  us  on  the  Atlantic  coast  of  Panama  but  it  doubtlessly  occurs  there. 

Known  on  the  Atlantic  coast  of  America  from  Massachusetts  to 
Uruguay. 

37.  Genus  Ariosoma  Swainson. 

Ariosoma  Swainson,  Nat.  Hist.  &  Class.  Fish.,  I,  1838,  220  (no  type 

named ;  later  restricted  by  Bleeker  and  by  Swain  to  Ophisoma  acuta 

Swainson=Mwn£wa  balearica  Delaroche). 
Congermurcena  Kaup,  Cat.  Apod.  Fish  Brit.  Mus.,  1856,  108  (restricted 

by  Bleeker  to  Murcena  balearica  Delaroche). 
Congrellus  Ogilby,  Proc.  Linn.  Soc.  N.  S.  W.,  XXIII,  1898,  288  (type 

Murcena  balearica  Delaroche). 

This  genus  is  characterized  by  the  pointed  teeth,  the  prominent 
muciferous  cavities  in  the  head  and  by  the  anterior  insertion  of  the 
dorsal  fin,  which  arises  over  the  gill-opening. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Body  moderately  robust ;  the  tail  rather  short  and  heavy,  longer 
than  rest  of  body  by  a  distance  equal  to  length  of  snout,  1.85 
in  total  length;  vomerine  teeth  in  a  triangular  patch,  with  a 
rather  long  backward  projection.  balearica,  p.  139. 

aa.  Body  more  elongate ;  the  tail  long,  tapering  but  not  filamentous, 
a  little  more  than  1.5  times  the  rest  of  body,  1.62  in  total 
length ;  vomerine  teeth  a  in  triangular  patch,  with  a  very  short 
backward  extension.  prorigera,  p.  140. 

aaa.  Body  very  elongate;  the  tail  very  long,  tapering,  filamentous, 
nearly  2.5  times  the  length  of  the  rest  of  body, .  1.35  in 
total  length;  vomerine  teeth  in  a  small,  quadrate  patch,  no 
backward  extension.  nitens,  p.  140. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    139 

81.  Ariosoma  balearica  (Delaroche). 

Murcena  balearica  Delaroche,  Ann.  Mus.  Hist.  Nat.  Paris,  XIII,  1809, 

327,  fig.  3  (Balearic  Islands). 
Conger    opisthophthalmus    Ranzani,    Novi    Comment.    Ac.    Sci.    Inst. 

Bonon.,  IV,  1840,  78,  PI.  XII,  fig.  i   (Bahia). 
Conger  microstomus  Castelnau,  Anim.  Nouv.  Rares  Amer.  Sud,  1855, 

83,  PI.  XLIII,  fig.  4  (Rio  Janeiro). 

Conger  impressus  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1861,  318  (Cuba). 
Congermurcena  balearica   Kaup,   Cat.   Apod.   Fish   Brit.   Mus.,    1856, 

no;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  356. 
Ophisoma  balearicum  Jordan  &  Davis,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XVI, 

1888  (1892),  661. 
Ophisoma  (  ?)   balearicum  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1891,  349 

(Panama  Bay,  Albatross  Station  2797). 
Congrellus  gilberti  Ogilby,  Proc.  Linn.  Soc.  N.  S.  W.,  XXIII,  1898, 

288  (Panama;  based  on  Gilbert's  description);  Gilbert  &  Starks, 

Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  34. 

Body  moderately  elongate ;  the  tail  rather  short  and  heavy ;  longer 
than  the  rest  of  body  by  a  distance  scarcely  longer  than  snout,  1.85  in 
total  length;  head  moderate,  2.5  to  2.8  in  head  and  trunk;  depth  2.8 
in  head;  snout  conical,  slightly  projecting,  4.25  to  5  in  head;  eye  4.7 
to  5.6;  mouth  moderate,  reaching  under  anterior  margin  of  pupil,  the 
gape  3.4  to  3.8  in  head;  teeth  all  pointed,  in  villiform  bands  on  jaws, 
vomer  with  a  triangular  patch  of  teeth  with  a  rather  long  projection 
posteriorly;  gill-opening  lateral,  nearly  vertical,  much  narrower  than 
isthmus ;  origin  of  dorsal  over  gill-opening,  the  fin  rather  low,  similar 
to  anal  and  confluent  with  it  around  the  tail;  pectoral  fins  narrow, 
2.8  to  3.1  in  head. 

Color  uniform  brownish;  the  vertical  fins  with  black  margins,  at 
least  posteriorly. 

This  eel  was  not  taken  by  us.  It  is  here  described  from  2  speci- 
mens, 135  and  210  mm.  in  length.  The  larger  one  is  from  Cuba,  pre- 
sumably identified  by  Poey  as  C.  impressus,  which  authors  have  re- 
ferred to  the  synonomy  of  A.  balearica.  The  smaller  one  is  from 
Panama  Bay,  Albatross  Station  2797.  We  have  carefully  compared 
these  specimens  but  fail  to  find  any  characters  to  separate  the  two. 
Ogilby's  name,  C.  gilberti,  proposed  for  the  Pacific  coast  specimens 
from  Panama  Bay  must  therefore  be  referred  to  the  synonomy  of 
A.  balearica. 


140   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

This  widely  distributed  eel  is  known  on  the  American  coasts  from 
Cuba  to  Rio  Janeiro  and  from  Cape  San  Lucas  to  the  Galapagos  Islands. 

82.  Ariosoma  prorigera  (Gilbert). 

Ophisoma  prorigerum  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1891,  350  (Coast 

of  Ecuador;  Panama). 
Congermurana  prorigera  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  357. 
Congrellus   proriger   Gilbert   &   Starks,   Memoir.    Cal.   Ac.    Sci.,   IV, 

1904,  34- 

Body  moderately  robust,  compressed,  the  tail  tapering,  but  not 
filamentous,  a  little  more  than  1.5  times  the  length  of  the  rest  of  the 
body,  or  1.62  in  total  length;  head  large,  2  in  head  and  trunk;  depth 
2.15  in  head;  snout  projecting  rather  prominently,  bluntish,  4.5  in 
head;  eye  8.25;  mouth  large,  reaching  under  posterior  margin  of 
pupil,  the  gape  3.5  in  head ;  teeth  as  in  A.  nitens;  gill-opening  vertical, 
narrower  than  the  isthmus;  origin  of  the  dorsal  over  gill-opening, 
the  fin  well  developed,  similar  to  anal  and  confluent  with  it  around 
the  tail ;  pectoral  fins  rather  large,  3.3  in  head. 

Color  uniform  brownish;  vertical  fins  pale  anteriorly,  black  on 
posterior  part  of  tail;  pectorals  pale. 

This  eel  was  not  obtained  by  us.  A  small  specimen  was  dredged 
in  Panama  Bay  by  the  Albatross  at  Station  2799. 

Known  from  Panama  Bay  and  off  the  coast  of  Ecuador. 

83.  Ariosoma  nitens  (Jordan  &  Bollman). 

Ophisoma  nitens  Jordan  &  Bollman,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1889,  153 

(Panama  Bay,  Albatross  Sta.  2801);  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  1890,  450  (Panama  Bay,  Albatross  Sta.  2799). 
Congermur&na  nitens  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.   S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  357. 
Congrellus  nitens  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  34. 

Body  anteriorly  moderately  slender,  tapering  posteriorly;  the  tail 
becoming  very  slender,  filamentous,  nearly  2.5  times  the  length  of  rest 
of  body,  1.35  in  total  length;  head  rather  large,  1.9  in  head  and 
trunk;  depth  3  in  head;  snout  rather  long,  prominently  projecting, 
4  in  head;  eye  lateral,  rather  large,  the  horizontal  diameter  much 
greater  than  the  vertical,  the  former  i  .75  in  snout,  6.9  in  head ;  mouth 
large,  reaching  under  posterior  margin  of  eye ;  the  gape  3.65  in  head 
when  measured  from  tip  of  lower  jaw  to  angle  of  mouth;  teeth  all 
pointed,  in  bands  on  jaws,  vomer  anteriorly  with  a  broad  patch  of 


DEC.  20,  1923.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    141 

teeth,  none  on  shaft;  gill-opening  lateral,  not  broader  than  the 
isthmus;  origin  of  the  dorsal  slightly  in  advance  of  gill-opening,  the 
fin  well  developed,  rather  high,  similar  to  the  anal  and  confluent  with 
it  around  the  tail;  pectoral  fins  rather  large,  3.15  in  head. 

Color  pale  or  slightly  yellowish;  the  back  with  numerous  dark 
points;  dorsal  and  anal  anteriorly  with  dark  points,  becoming  black 
posteriorly. 

A  single  small  specimen,  150  mm.  long,  was  sent  from  Chame 
Point  by  Mr.  Robert  Tweedlie.  We  compared  our  specimen  with 
the  type,  from  which  it  appears  to  differ  slightly  in  the  more  promi- 
nently projecting  snout  and  in  the  broader  pectorals.  This  species  is 
related  to  A.  flavus,  from  which  it,  however,  differs  in  the  much  longer 
tail.  The  tail  in  A.  flavus  is  a  little  less  than  twice  the  length  of  the 
rest  of  the  body. 

A  rare  species  previously  known  only  from  2  specimens  taken  in 
Panama  Bay  by  the  Albatross.  Our  specimen  is  from  Chame  Point. 

Family  XXI.    Muraenesocidae. 

Body  elongate,  moderately  slender;  the  jaws  not  greatly  produced; 
tongue  largely  adnate  to  the  floor  of  the  mouth;  vomer  well  armed 
with  teeth;  the  posterior  nostril  not  labial;  the  vertical  fins  confluent 
around  the  tail;  pectoral  fins  well  developed. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA. 

a.  Dorsal   and   anal   fins   well  developed   throughout;   origin  of 
dorsal  nearly  over  gill-opening. 

b.  Tail  less  than  twice  the  length  of  the  rest  of  body;  the  jaws 
with  3  series  of  teeth;  vomer  with  several  series  of  teeth,  the 
median  series  of   enlarged  compressed  teeth ;   well  developed 
canines  on  anterior  port  of  jaws.  Murcenesox,  p.  141. 

bb.  Tail  about  four  times  the  length  of  the  rest  of  body;  the  jaws 
with  2  series  of  teeth;  vomer  with  one  series  of  long,  pointed 
canines.  Hoplunnis,  p.  143. 

aa.  Dorsal  and  anal  fins  very  low  anteriorly,  developed  chiefly 
posteriorly;  origin  of  dorsal  just  in  advance  of  vent. 

Neoconger,  p.   144. 

38.  Genus  Muraenesox  McClelland. 

Muranesox  McClelland,  Journ.   Nat.  Hist.   Calcutta,  IV,   1844, 
(type  Muranesox  tricuspidata  McClelland). 


142    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Body  elongate;  dorsal  and  anal  fins  well  developed  and  connected 
with  the  caudal;  origin  of  dorsal  nearly  over  gill-opening;  mouth 
large;  the  anterior  teeth  in  each  jaw  canines,  the  rest  of  the  teeth  in 
each  jaw  in  several  series,  one  series  near  the  middle  enlarged  and 
compressed,  the  others  bluntish;  middle  series  of  teeth  on  shaft  of 
vomer  enlarged,  and  compressed,  forming  an  arch;  the  anterior  nostril 
with  a  tube. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.       Pectoral  long,  2.1  to  2.3  in  head;  posterior  nostril  circular. 

coniceps,  p.  142. 

aa.     Pectoral  short,  2.8  to  3  in  head;  posterior  nostril  an  oblique 
slit.  savanna,  p.  143. 

84.  Muraenesox  coniceps  Jordan  &  Gilbert. 

Murcznesox  coniceps  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1881, 

348    (Mazatlan)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,   Bull.   U.   S.   Nat.   Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  359;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  35  (Panama  Bay). 

Body  moderately  slender,  compressed  posteriorly;  head  and  trunk 
rather  short,  2.4  in  total  length ;  tail  notably  longer  than  rest  of  body, 
about  1.7  in  total  length;  head  2.3  to  2.5  in  head  and  trunk;  snout 
long,  tapering,  moderately  projecting,  4.3  to  4.6  in  head;  eye  rather 
small,  10  to  1 1 ;  mouth  large,  the  gape  reaching  beyond  the  eye,  2.7  to 
3  in  head  when  measured  from  tip  of  lower  jaw  to  angle  of  mouth; 
both  jaws  and  vomer  anteriorly  with  rather  strong  canines,  the  jaws 
laterally  with  3  series  of  teeth,  the  2  outer  series  small,  bluntish,  the 
inner  series  enlarged,  compressed;  vomer  with  an  enlarged  series  of 
teeth  on  median  line  with  a  more  or  less  distinct  series  of  short  blunt 
teeth  on  each  side ;  anterior  nostril  wtih  a  short  tube  situated  slightly 
above  and  behind  lower  anterior  margin  of  snout,  the  posterior  nos- 
tril round;  gill-slits  subinferior,  rather  large,  well  separated,  the  isth- 
mus about  half  as  broad  as  one  slit;  lateral  line  prominent,  with 
large  pores ;  the  skin  of  upper  parts  and  especially  of  the  head  rough 
in  appearance,  provided  with  innumerable  pores  and  pits ;  origin  of 
dorsal  a  little  in  advance  of  gill-opening,  the  fin  confluent  with  the 
anal  around  the  tail;  pectoral  fins  long,  2.1  to  2.3  in  head. 

Color  brownish,  the  back  darkest,  abdomen  nearly  pale;  tubes  of 
lateral  line  white,  conspicuous ;  dorsal  and  anal  fins  margined  with 
black  anteriorly,  becoming  almost  entirely  black  posteriorly;  pectorals 
black. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    143 

This  species  is  represented  by  9  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from 
675  to  900  mm.  It  is  a  common  eel  on  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama 
and  may  be  seen  in  the  Panama  City  market  almost  daily. 

Known  from  Cape  San  Lucas  to  Panama.  Our  specimens  are 
from  Chame  Point  and  the  Panama  City  market. 

85.  Muraer.esox  savanna  (Cuvier). 

Murcena  savanna  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal.,  Ed.  II,  II,  1829,  350  (Mar- 
tinique) . 

Mwranesox  savanna  Jordan  &  Evermann,   Bull.  U.   S.   Nat.  Mus., 
XLVII,  1896,  360. 

Body  slender,  more  or  less  compressed ;  head  and  trunk  2.3  in  total 
length;  the  tail  notably  longer  than  the  rest  of  body,  1.75  in  total 
length ;  head  2.6  to  2.8  in  head  and  trunk ;  snout  long  and  tapering, 
prominently  projecting,  4.7  to  4.8  in  head;  eye  9  to  n;  mouth  large, 
the  gape  reaching  beyond  eye,  2.8  to  2.9  in  head  when  measured  from 
tip  of  lower  jaw  to  angle  of  mouth;  teeth  as  in  preceding  species; 
anterior  nostril  ending  in  a  short  tube  situated  a  little  above  and 
behind  lower  anterior  margin  of  snout,  the  posterior  nostril  not  far 
in  front  of  eye,  an  oblique  slit ;  pectoral  fins  moderate,  2.8  to  3  in  tail. 
Other  characters  as  in  M.  coniceps. 

Three  specimens  of  this  species  were  preserved.  It  is  much  less 
common  than  its  near  relative  of  the  Pacific  coast,  M.  coniceps,  from 
which  it  can  scarcely  be  distinguished.  The  pectoral  fins  are,  however, 
shorter  in  the  specimens  at  hand  and  the  posterior  nostril  appears  as 
a  slit  in  the  present  species,  while  it  is  round  in  M.  coniceps. 

Known  from  the  West  Indies  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are  all 
from  Colon. 

39.  Genus  Hophmnis  Kaup. 

Hoplunnis  Kaup,  Abh.  Naturw.  Ver.  Hamburg,  IV,  1859  (1860),  19 

(type  Hoplunnis  schmidtii  Kaup). 

The  tail  very  long,  about  four  times  the  rest  of  body ;  teeth  in  the 
jaws  biserial;  vomerine  teeth  long,  pointed  canines,  uniserial;  gill-open- 
ings wide. 

86.  Hoplunnis  schmidtii  Kaup. 

Hoplunnis  schmidtii  Kaup,  Abh.  Naturw.  Ver.  Hamburg,  IV,   1859 


144   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

(1860),  19,  PI.  II,  fig.  4  (Puerto  Cabello)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann, 
Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  361,  PI.  LVIII,  fig.  151. 
This  eel  was  not  seen  by  us.    It  is  known  only  from  a  single  speci- 
men from  Puerto  Cabello,   Venezuela,   and   is   very  imperfectly  de- 
scribed.   The  tail  is  said  to  be  4  times  as  long  as  the  rest  of  the  body, 
eye  3  in  snout,  and  the  posterior  part  of  the  vertical  fins  is  black. 


40.  Genus  Neoconger  Girard. 

Neoconger    Girard,    Proc.    Ac.    Nat.    Sci.    Phila.,    1859,    171     (type 

Neoconger  mucronatus  Girard). 

Body  moderately  elongated,  not  whip-like;  tail  not  much  longer 
than  rest  of  body ;  mouth  large,  reaching  beyond  eye ;  maxillary  teeth 
in  several  series;  vomerine  teeth  forming  a  patch  in  front,  uniserial 
behind;  gill-opening  rather  large,  vertical;  vertical  fins  rudimentary, 
best  developed  posteriorly,  confluent  around  the  tail;  origin  of  dorsal 
just  in  advance  of  vent ;  pectoral  fins  present. 

One  species  has  been  recorded  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama. 

87.  Neoconger  vermiformis  Gilbert. 

Neoconger  vermiformis  Gilbert,   Proc.   U.    S.    Nat.   Mus.,    1890,   57 

(Off  Lower  California,  Albatross  Sta.  3035)  ;  and  p.  450  (Panama 

Bay,  Albatross  Sta.  2799)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  362;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci., 

IV,  1904,  35. 

"Pectoral  well  developed,  3^  to  4  in  head.  Snout  anteriorly 
short,  slightly  projecting  beyond  mouth ;  mouth  small,  reaching  slightly 
behind  eye;  teeth  small,  conical,  uniserial  in  jaws,  biserial  anteriorly 
on  the  vomer,  uniserial  posteriorly;  gill-slits  vertical,  longer  than 
eye,  a  little  longer  than  isthmus;  dorsal  beginning  half  length  of  head 
in  advance  of  vent;  body  not  very  slender,  its  depth  2^  in  head;  head 
3>i  in  trunk;  cleft  of  mouth  3^  in  head;  tail  usually  a  little  longer 
than  rest  of  body;  tip  of  tongue  slightly  free.  Color  uniformly  yel- 
lowish olive  on  body  and  fins,  finely  dotted  with  black.  Lower  Cali- 
fornia and  Panama,  in  about  30  fathoms;  several  specimens  known." 
(Jordan  &  Evermann.) 

This  species  is  known  from  Panama  Bay,  from  specimens  taken  by 
the  Albatross  at  Station  2799. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    145 

Family  XXII.    Myrid*. 

THE  WORM  EELS. 

Body  more  or  less  worm-like;  tongue  more  or  less  fully  adnate 
to  the  floor  of  the  mouth;  posterior  nostril  situated  either  in  the 
upper  lip  or  very  near  it;  vertical  fins  confluent  around  the  tail. 

A  single  genus  is  represented  in  the  Panama  collection. 

41.  Genus  Myrophis  Lutken. 

Myrophis  Lutken,  Vidensk.   Meddel.   Nat.  Foren.  Kjo'ben.,   1851,   I 

(type  Myrophis  punctatus  Lutken) . 

Body  slender;  vomer  with  teeth;  origin  of  dorsal  in  advance  of 
vent,  the  fin  confluent  with  the  anal  around  the  tail;  pectoral  fins 
present  but  small. 

Two  closely  related  species  occur  in  the  Panama  collection. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Teeth  in  2  more  or  less  distinct  series  on  anterior  part  of  jaws 
and  vomer;  snout  rather  broad,  quite  as  broad  as  interorbital 
at  anterior  nostrils,  its  length  6.4  to  7  in  head ;  back  and  sides 
with  small  and  rather  few  punctulations.  vafer,  p.  145. 

aa.  Teeth  on  the  upper  jaw  and  vomer  uniserial  throughout ;  snout 
narrower,  scarcely  as  broad  as  interorbital  at  anterior  nos- 
trils, its  length  6.1  in  head;  back  and  sides  with  larger  and 
more  numerous  punctulations.  punctatus,  p.  146. 

88.  Myrophis  vafer  Jordan  &  Gilbert. 

Myrophis  vafer  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882,  645 

(Panama) ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  372;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  35 

(Panama). 

Body  very  long  and  slender,  more  or  less  worm-like;  head  and 
trunk  2.5  to  3  in  total  length;  tail  much  longer  than  head  and  trunk, 
1.45  to  1.95  in  total  length;  head  rather  long,  3.5  to  3.8  in  head  and 
trunk;  depth  3.7  to  4.1  in  head;  snout  rather  broad,  depressed,  quite 
as  broad  at  anterior  nostrils  as  interorbital,  projecting  prominently 
beyond  mouth,  its  length  6.4  to  7  in  head;  eye  small,  lateral,  about 
12  in  head;  mouth  large,  the  gape  reaching  far  beyond  eye,  3.3  to 
4.2  in  head  when  measured  from  tip  of  lower  jaw  to  angle  of  mouth ; 


146   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

teeth  pointed,  present  on  jaws  and  vomer,  in  2  more  or  less  distinct 
series  on  anterior  part  of  jaws-  and  vomer,  in  I  series  posteriorly; 
anterior  nostril  ending  in  a  short  downward  projecting  tube  near 
tip  of  snout;  origin  of  dorsal  a  little  nearer  gill-opening  than  vent, 
confluent  with  the  anal  around  the  tail;  pectoral  fins  small,  about  as 
long  as  snout,  the  base  of  fins  as  broad  as  gill-slit. 

Color  brownish,  back  and  sides  with  dark  punctulations,  lower 
parts  plain. 

There  are  65  specimens,  ranging  from  60  to  238  mm.  in  length, 
at  hand.  This  fish  was-  reported  common  in  the  rock  pools  about 
Panama  by  Gilbert  &  Starks,  but  we  obtained  only  2  specimens  there. 
The  rest  of  our  material  was  collected  at  Chame  Point  by  Mr.  Robert 
Tweedlie. 

Known  from  Guaymas  to  Panama.  The  specimens  in  the  present 
collection  are  from  Chame  Point  and  rocky  tide  pools  at  Panama  City. 

89.  Myrophis  punctatus  Liitken. 

Myrophis  punctatus  Liitken,  Vidensk.  Meddel.  Nat.  Foren.  Kj0ben., 

1851,   i    (West  Indies)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.   S.   Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  371. 

Body  long,  slender,  worm-like ;  head  and  trunk  2.6  in  total  length ; 
tail  much  longer  than  rest  of  body,  1.65  in  total  length;  head  rather 
long,  3.5  in  head  and  trunk;  depth  4.45  in  head;  snout  rather  long 
and  narrow,  scarcely  as  broad  at  anterior  nostrils  as  interorbital,  pro- 
jecting prominently  beyond  mouth,  its  length  6.1  in  head;  eye  very 
small,  lateral,  about  16  in  head;  mouth  large,  the  gape  reaching  be- 
yond eye,  4  in  head  when  measured  from  tip  of  lower  jaw  to  angle 
of  mouth;  teeth  pointed,  present  on  jaws  and  vomer,  those  in  ante- 
rior part  of  lower  jaw  in  2  series,  posteriorly  in  a  single  series,  those 
on  upper  jaw  and  vomer  uniserial  throughout,  the  series  anteriorly 
more  or  less  irregular;  anterior  nostril  ending  in  a  short  downward 
projecting  tube  near  tip  of  snout ;  origin  of  dorsal  a  little  nearer  gill- 
opening  than  vent,  confluent  with  the  anal  around  the  tail;  pectoral 
fins  small,  scarcely  as  long  as  snout,  the  base  of  fins  about  as  broad 
as  gill-slit. 

Color  above  brownish,  back  and  sides  with  numerous,  rather 
large,  dusky  punctulations;  lower  parts  plain. 

We  have  a  single  specimen,  150  mm.  long,  which  was  taken  from 
deep  mud  several  meters  from  the  water's  edge.  This  species  ap- 
pears to  be  very  close  to  M.  vafer,  but  it  apparently  differs  slightly 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    147 

in  the  longer,  narrower  snout;  smaller  eye;  different  arrangement  of 
the  teeth,  there  being  but  one  series  on  anterior  part  of  upper  jaw 
and  vomer,  which  have  two  series  in  M.  vafer;  and  a  slight  difference 
in  color,  the  punctulations  being  larger  and  more  numerous  in  the 
present  species. 

Known  from  Texas  to  Brazil.    Our  specimen  is  from  Mindi  Cut. 


Family  XXIII.    Ophichthyidse. 

Body  slender;  gill-openings  well  separated,  lateral  or  subinferior; 
tongue  present,  usually  adnate  to  the  floor  of  the  mouth;  scales  en- 
tirely wanting;  the  tail  without  the  rudiments  of  a  fin,  projecting 
beyond  the  dorsal  and  anal  fins,  usually  ending  in  a  rather  sharp, 
horny  point.  Anterior  nostril  placed  in  upper  lip,  tubular,  the  tube 
directed  downward;  mouth  rather  large,  horizontal. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA. 

a.  Teeth  conical,  blunt  or  molar. 

b.  Origin  of  dorsal  behind  gill-opening.         Pisodonophis,  p.   147. 
bb.     Origin  of  dorsal  in  advance  of  gill-opening. 

Myrichthys,  p.   149. 
aa.     Teeth  all  pointed. 

c.  Origin   of    dorsal   in   advance   of   gill-opening;   pectoral    fins 
rudimentary.  Bascanichthys,  p.  151. 

cc.  Origin  of  dorsal  behind  gill-opening;  pectoral  fins  well  devel- 
oped. Ophichthus,  p.  153. 

42.  Genus  Pisodonophis  Kaup. 

Pisoodonophis  Kaup,  Cat.  Apod.  Fish  Brit.  Mus.,  1856,  15  (type  Piso- 

odonophis  cancrivorus  Kaup). 

This-  genus  differs  from  Myrichthys  in  the  backward  insertion  of 
the  dorsal,  which  falls  behind  the  gill-opening,  and  from  Ophichthus 
in  having  blunt,  molar  teeth. 

KEY  TO  THE   SPECIES. 

a.  Pectoral  fins  poorly  developed,  appearing  as  dermal  flaps  be- 
hind gill-opening,  the  length  shorter  than  width  of  base ;  origin 
of  dorsal  not  far  behind  gill-opening,  the  distance  about  equal 
to  length  of  snout;  head  and  usually  most  of  body  with  small 
round  black  spots.  daspilotus,  p.  148. 


148    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

aa.  Pectoral  fins  well  developed,  the  length  more  than  twice  the 
base,  equal  to  or  longer  than  snout;  origin  of  dorsal  far  be- 
hind gill-opening,  the  distance  equal  to  head  without  snout; 
color  uniform  brownish,  no  spots  anywhere. 

cruentifer,  p.  149. 


90.  Pisodonophis  daspilotus  Gilbert. 

Pisoodonophis  daspilotus  Gilbert,  in  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S. 
Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  2803  (Panama)  ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Me- 
moir. Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  36,  PI.  VII,  fig.  12  (Panama). 
Body  long  and  slender,  snake-like,  the  depth  24  to  30  in  total 
length;  head  not  greatly  swollen,  about  as  broad  as  deep,  8.5  to  10 
in  length;  snout  narrow,  somewhat  depressed,  notably  in  advance  of 
mouth,  5.3  to  7  in  head;  eye  lateral,  small,  13  to  16  in  head;  inter- 
orbital  7  to  9;  mouth  rather  large,  horizontal,  the  gape  reaching  far 
beyond  eye,  3.2  to  4.2  in  head  when  measured  from  tip  of  lower  jaw  to 
angle  of  mouth;  teeth  all  broad  and  blunt,  in  bands  on  jaws  and  vomer; 
the  teeth  on  anterior  part  of  vomer  the  largest;  vomerine  band  taper- 
ing posteriorly  and  extending  beyond  the  angle  of  mouth;  anterior 
nostril  ending  in  a  short,  fringed  tube  on  edge  of  the  ventral  surface 
of  the  overhanging  snout;  gill-openings  moderate,  the  slit  about  8  to 
ii  in  head;  vent  close  in  front  of  anal;  origin  of  dorsal  rather  varia- 
ble, but  always  more  or  less  behind  gill-slit,  the  dorsal  not  confluent 
with  the  anal  around  tail;  the  tail  without  a  fin,  ending  in  a  hard 
bony  point,  probably  used  in  burrowing;  anal  fin  low  like  the  dorsal, 
its  origin  usually  a  little  nearer  tip  of  snout  than  tip  of  tail;  pectoral 
fins  very  short,  their  base  a  little  broader  than  gill-slits,  also  broader 
than  length  of  fin,  appearing  more  as  a  dermal  flap  behind  gill-opening 
than  as  a  true  fin,  the  rays  poorly  differentiated. 

Color  grayish  brown  above;  pale  below;  body  usually  with  small 
round  spots,  smallest  but  most  distinct  on  head,  rarely  present  on  dis- 
tal part  of  tail,  sometimes  present  only  on  head,  but  not  entirely  want- 
ing on  any  of  the  specimens  at  hand;  the  fins  paler  than  the  body. 

There  are  50  specimens,  ranging  from  190  to  660  mm.  in  length, 
in  the  Panama  collection.  The  largest  specimen  was  taken  with  hook 
and  line  in  brackish  water  at  Corozal  and  the  others  were  sent  from 
Chame  Point  by  Mr.  Robert  Tweedlie. 

Known  only  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama,  ascending  brackish 
and  fresh  water  streams. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    149 

91.  Pisodonophis  cruentifer  Goode  &  Bean. 

Pisoodonophis  cruentifer  Goode  &  Bean,  Oceanic  Ichth.,  1895,   147, 

fig.   1 66  (Gulf  Stream)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  377. 

This  is  the  only  species  of  Pisodonophis  known  from  the  American 
waters  of  the  Atlantic  Ocean.  Comparing  this  species  with  our 
specimens  from  the  Pacific  coast,  we  find  that  it  may  be  readily 
distinguished  by  the  much  longer  pectoral  fins,  their  length  being 
greater  than  twice  the  width  of  their  base,  or  as  long  as  or  longer 
than  snout.  The  dorsal  fin  is  much  more  posteriorly  inserted,  the 
distance  behind  gill-opening  being  equal  to  the  length  of  head  with- 
out snout,  and  the  color  is  uniform  brownish,  there  being  no  dark 
spots  present  anywhere. 

This  species  is  not  reported  from  as  far  south  as  the  Isthmus,  but 
it  has  been  taken  at  various  places  in  the  Atlantic  along  the  American 
shore  and  appears  to  be  of  uncertain  distribution,  and  it  may  be  ex- 
pected on  the  coast  of  Panama. 


43.  Genus  Myrichthys  Girard. 

Myrichthys  Girard,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1859,  58  (type  Myrich- 
thys tigrinus  Girard). 

Body  elongate,  slender,  but  little  compressed;  dorsal  and  anal  fins 
developed,  and  not  extending  on  the  end  of  the  tail;  origin  of  dor- 
sal in  front  of  gill-opening;  pectoral  fins  present,  small;  teeth  conical 
and  blunt  to  molar-like;  gill-openings  in  front  of  pectoral,  small, 
with  broad  isthmus;  anterior  nostril  with  a  tube  on  ventral  edge  of 
the  overhanging  snout. 

KEY  TO  THE   SPECIES. 

a.       Large  round  black  spots  on  the  body,  without  white  centers. 

tigrinus,  p.  149. 

aa.     Large  black  spots  on  the  body,  with  distinct   white  centers 
about  as  large  as  the  pupil.  oculatus,  p.  150. 

92.  Myrichthys  tigrinus  Girard. 

Myrichthys  tigrinus  Girard,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1859,  58  (Adair 
Bay,  Oregon)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 
1896,  376;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  35 
(Panama  Bay). 


150   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Ophichthys  xysturus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1881, 

346  (Mazatlan).  . 
Pisodontophis  xysturus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  II, 

1882  (1883),  106. 

Body  long  and  slender,  only  slightly  compressed,  the  depth  22 
to  35  in  total  length;  head  somewhat  swollen,  not  much  deeper  than 
broad,  n  to  12.3  in  total  length;  snout  narrow,  somewhat  depressed, 
notably  in  advance  of  mouth,  4.6  to  5.75  in  head;  eye  lateral,  10  to  13; 
interorbital  6.35  to  9;  mouth  horizontal,  the  gape  reaching  beyond 
eye,  3  to  3.6  in  head  measured  from  tip  of  lower  jaw  to  angle  of 
mouth ;  teeth  all  short,  coarse  and  blunt,  not  in  a  definite  number  of 
series,  present  on  jaws  and  vomer,  the  vomerine  band  tapering  pos- 
teriorly and  reaching  beyond  angle  of  mouth ;  anterior  nostril  ending 
in  a  short,  fringed  tube  situated  on  edge  of  ventral  surface  of  the 
overhanging  snout;  gill-opening  moderate,  the  slit  about  8  to  n  in 
head;  vent  close  in  front  of  anal;  origin  of  dorsal  over  nape,  notably 
in  advance  of  gill-opening,  the  fin  rather  high,  not  confluent  with 
the  anal  around  caudal ;  tail  ending  in  a  sharp,  horny  process,  prob- 
ably used  for  burrowing ;  anal  lower  than  the  dorsal,  its  origin  notably 
nearer  tip  of  snout  than  end  of  tail;  pectoral  fins  small,  their  base 
scarcely  broader  than  gill-slit,  also  broader  than  length  of  fin,  appear- 
ing more  like  a  dermal  flap  back  of  the  gill-opening  than  as  a  true 
fin,  the  rays  scarcely  differentiated. 

Color  pale  or  brownish  in  spirits;  sides  with  one,  two  or  three 
rows  of  black  spots,  apparently  depending  upon  age.  Our  smallest 
specimens,  170  mm.  long,  have  only  a  single  row  of  very  large  spots 
along  the  back;  our  medium  sized  specimens  all  have  two  rows  and 
our  largest  specimens  have  a  third  row  faintly  visible.  The  black 
spots  on  head  vary  greatly  in  size  and  number;  small  on  snout. 

There  are  31  specimens,  ranging  from  170  to  450  mm.  in  length, 
at  hand.  These  were  collected  at  Chame  Point  by  Mr.  Robert  Tweedlie. 

Known  from  Oregon  ( ?)  to  Panama.  Specimens  at  hand  are  from 
Chame  Point. 

93.  Myrichthys  oculatus  (Kaup). 

Pisoodonophis  oculatus  Kaup,  Cat.  Apod.  Fish  Brit.  Mus.,  1856,  22 

( CuraQoa) . 
Ophisurus  latimaculatus  Poey,  Repertorio,  II,  1867,  252,  PI.  Ill,  fig. 

i  (Cuba). 
Ophichthys  pardalis  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  VIII,   1870,  82 

(Cape  Verde  Islands;  Canary  Islands;  West  Indies). 


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DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    151 

Myrichthys  oculatus  Jordan  &  Evermann,   Bull.  U.   S.   Nat.   Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  376. 

This  fish  was-  not  seen  on  the  coast  of  Panama,  but  it  may  be  ex- 
pected there.  We  have  compared  a  specimen  from  Cuba  with  M. 
tigrinus  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama.  The  two  species  appear 
to  be  closely  related  with  respect  to  structure,  but  they  may  readily 
be  distinguished  by  the  color,  as-  shown  in  the  key  to  the  species. 

Known  from  Cuba  to  Brazil;  also  from  the  Cape  Verde  and 
Canary  Islands. 

44.  Genus  Bascanichthys  Jordan  &  Davis. 

Bascanichthys  Jordan  &  Davis,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XVI,  1888 

(1892),  621  (type  Ccecula  bascanium  Jordan). 

Body  very  elongate;  head  moderate;  snout  projecting  beyond  the 
mouth;  teeth  pointed,  present  on  jaws  and  vomer,  no  canines;  origin 
of  dorsal  over  head,  in  advance  of  gill-opening;  dorsal  and  anal  low; 
pectoral  fins  present  but  rudimentary. 

There  are  two  species  in  the  present  collection  which  fall  into  this 
genus,  both  of  which  appear  to  be  new.  This  genus  has1  been  reported 
only,  once  from  the  Pacific,  the  record  being  based  on  a  single 
specimen  (B.  peninsula  Gilbert)  from  the  Gulf  of  California.  Two 
species  are  known  from  the  Atlantic  coast  of  the  United  States,  but 
none  are  in  our  collections  from  the  Atlantic  coast  of  Panama. 

KEY   TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Body  moderately  robust;  the  trunk  long;  the  tail  compara- 
tively short,  1.3  to  1.4  in  head  and  trunk;  origin  of  dorsal 
a  little  nearer  gill-opening  than  tip  of  snout;  dorsal  and  anal 
fins  low;  pores  of  lateral  line  over  opercular  region  in  rather 
conspicuous  white  spots.  panamensis  sp.  nov.,  p.  151. 

aa.  Body  very  slender;  the  trunk  moderate;  the  tail  very  long, 
1.05  to  1.2  in  head  and  trunk;  origin  of  dorsal  a  little  nearer 
tip  of  snout  than  gill-opening;  dorsal  and  anal  fins  some- 
what higher;  pores  of  lateral  line  over  opercular  region  not 
in  white  spots.  cylindricus  sp.  nov.,  p.  152. 

94.  Bascanichthys  panamensis  sp.  nov.  (Plate  VII.) 

Type  No.  82211,  U.  S.  N.  M. ;  length  735  mm.;  Chame  Point, 

Panama. 

Body   moderately    robust,    scarcely   compressed,   the    depth    only 

slightly  greater  than  the  width;  trunk  long;  the  tail  comparatively 


152    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

short  and  robust,  1.3  to  1.4  in  head  and  trunk;  head  10.5  to  11.5  in 
trunk;  snout  pointed,  much  in  advance  of  the  mouth,  6.2  to  7.75  in 
head;  eye  small,  a  little  less  than  half  the  snout;  mouth  moderate, 
horizontal,  the  gape  reaching  beyond  eye,  4.45  to  5.15  in  head  when 
measured  from  tip  of  lower  jaw  to  angle  of  mouth ;  teeth  rather 
strong,  pointed,  recurved,  those  on  jaws  in  a  single  series,  the  vomer- 
ine  teeth  in  a  single  very  irregular  series  or  more  or  less  definitely 
in  2  series;  gill-slits  subinferior,  vertical,  separated  by  a  distance 
equal  to  the  length  of  one  slit,  which  is  8  to  10  in  head;  anterior 
nostril  ending  in  a  short  tube  on  ventral  surface  of  the  overhanging 
snout;  lateral  line  well  developed,  arched  over  the  opercular  region; 
vent  close  in  front  of  anal;  origin  of  dorsal  over  nape,  a  little  nearer 
gill-opening  than  tip  of  snout,  the  fin  low,  placed  in  a  groove,  not  con- 
fluent with  the  anal  around  the  tail;  tail  ending  in  a  sharp,  horny 
point,  probably  used  in  burrowing;  anal  fin  very  low,  lower  than  the 
dorsal,  placed  in  a  somewhat  deeper  groove  than  the  dorsal;  pectoral 
fins  present  but  rudimentary,  about  as  long  as  broad,  not  longer  than 
the  eye,  inserted  just  behind  upper  part  of  gill-slit. 

Color  uniform  bluish  above,  abruptly  pale  below  lateral  line;  head 
mostly  bluish  black  in  adult,  with  less  black  in  young,  with  a  pale  cross- 
bar just  behind  eyes  and  usually  a  second  one  a  short  distance  behind 
it;  each  pore  of  lateral  line  over  the  opercular  region  with  a  small, 
round,  white  spot,  these  are  usually  also  more  or  less  distinctly  visible 
along  the  sides;  dorsal  fin  pale,  appearing  as  a  white  line  on  the  back. 

This  eel  is  represented  by  115  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from 
J55  to  735  mm->  all  taken  at  Chame  Point  by  Mr.  Robert  Tweedlie. 
Two  of  the  specimens  at  hand  appear  to  have  had  the  upper  jaw 
injured,  probably  bitten  off,  making  it  as  short  as  the  lower.  In  each 
case  a  lip  was  regenerated  and  normally  formed  tubes  of  the  anterior 
nostrils  appear  at  the  lateral,  anterior  edge  of  the  jaw. 

95.  Bascanichthys  cylindricus  sp.  nov.    (Plate  VIII,  fig.  i.) 

Type  No.  82210,  U.  S.  N.  M. ;  length  785  mm.;  Chame  Point, 
Panama. 

Body  very  slender,  slightly  compressed,  somewhat  deeper  than 
broad;  trunk  moderate;  the  tail  very  long  and  slender,  1.05  to  1.2  in 
trunk;  head  10.5  to  11.2  in  trunk  and  head;  snout  sharply  pointed, 
projecting  prominently  beyond  the  mouth,  7.7  to  9.2  in  head;  eye  very 
small,  covered  by  membrane,  less  than  half  the  length  of  snout ;  mouth 
moderate,  horizontal,  the  gape  reaching  beyond  eye,  4.9  to  5.75  in 
head  when  measured  from  tip  of  lower  jaw  to  angle  of  mouth;  teeth 

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DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    153 

exactly  as  in  the  preceding  species;  gill-slits  subinferior,  vertical, 
separated  by  a  distance  equal  to  the  length  of  one  slit,  which  is  8.5 
to  ii  in  head;  anterior  nostril  ending  in  a  short  tube  on  ventral  sur- 
face of  snout;  lateral  line  well  developed,  arched  over  the  opercular 
region ;  vent  close  in  front  of  anal ;  origin  of  dorsal  over  nape,  a  little 
nearer  tip  of  snout  than  gill-opening,  the  fin  somewhat  higher  than  in 
the  preceding  species,  placed  in  a  groove,  not  confluent  with  the  anal 
around  the  tail;  tail  ending  in  a  sharp,  horny  point;  anal  fin  of  about 
the  same  height  as  the  dorsal  and  similarly  placed  in  a  groove;  pec- 
toral fins  present  but  rudimentary,  slightly  longer  than  broad,  only 
a  little  longer  than  eye,  inserted  just  behind  upper  part  of  gill-slit. 

Color  bluish  black  above,  abruptly  pale  on  the  side  below  lateral 
line;  no  pale  cross-bars  on  head,  the  ventral  surface  of  head  pale  or 
only  slightly  dusky;  the  pores  of  lateral  line  over  opercular  region  not 
in  white  spots,  the  pores  on  sides  often  in  white  dots.  The  dorsal 
fin  is  conspicuously  paler  than  the  back. 

There  are  10  specimens  of  this  eel  at  hand,  measuring  from  235 
to  865  mm.  in  length.  These  were  collected  at  Chame  Point  by  Mr. 
Robert  Tweedlie.  This  species  is  rather  closely  related  to  the  pre- 
ceding, but  is  readily  separable  from  it,  especially  if  specimens  of  like 
sizes  are  compared.  The  body  in  the  present  species  is  more  slender, 
the  tail  proportionately  longer,  the  origin  of  the  dorsal  is  a  little 
farther  forward,  the  dorsal  and  anal  fins  are  a  little  higher  and  the 
rather  conspicuous  white  spots  surrounding  the  pores  of  the  lateral 
line  over  the  opercular  region  in  the  preceding  species  are  wanting 
in  the  present  form. 

45.  Genus  Ophichthus  Ahl. 

Ophichthus  Ahl,  De  Muraena  et  Ophichtho,  1787,  5  (type  Murcena  ophis 
Linnaeus). 

Cogrus  Rafinesque,  Caratteri,  etc.,  1810,  62  (type  Cogrus  maculatus 
Rafinesque). 

Centrur ophis  (type  Centrur ophis  spadiceus  Kaup)  ;  Pcecilocephalus 
(type  Pcecilocephalus  bonaparti  Kaup)  ;  Microdonophis  (type  Mi~ 
crodonophis  altipinnis  Kaup)  ;  Ccecilophls  (type  Ccecilophis  corn- 
par  Kaup)  ;  Herpetoichthys  (type  Herpetoichthys  ornatissimus 
Kaup)  ;  Elapsopsis  (type  Elapsopsis  versicolor  Kaup)  ;  Kaup,  Cat. 
Apod.  Fish  Brit.  Mus.,  1856,  page  numbers  given  in  order  like 
names  above,  2,  5,  6,  6,  7,  9. 


154   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

fCryptopterus  Kaup,  Abh.  Naturw.  Ver.  Hamburg,  IV,  1859  (1860), 

ii   (type  Cryptopterus  puncticeps  Kaup). 
Uranichthys  Poey,  Repertorio,  II,  1867,  256  (type  Murana  havannensis 

Bloch  &  Schneider). 
?Oxyodontichthys  Poey,  Anal.  Soc.  Espan.  Hist.  Nat.,  IX,  1880,  254 

(type  Oxyodonichthys  macrurus  Poey). 
Ophichthys  Bleeker  and  other  authors,  corrected  spelling. 

Body  cylindrical;  teeth  pointed,  no  distinct  canines;  dorsal  fin  in- 
serted behind  the  gill-opening ;  pectoral  fin  well  developed. 

KEY   TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Teeth  in  each  jaw  in  2  series;  origin  of  dorsal  in  advance  of 
end  of  pectoral. 

b.  Vomerine  teeth  in  a  single  series. 

c.  The  tail  nearly  twice  as  long  as  head  and  trunk,  1.5  in  total 
length ;  coloration  uniform,  no  spots  on  sides. 

chamensis  sp.  nov.,  p.  155. 

cc.  The  tail  notably  less  than  twice  the  length  of  head  and  trunk, 
1.8  to  1.85  in  total  length. 

d.  Sides  with  very  large  black  spots,  arranged  in  2  or  3  rows; 
head  with  small  dark  spots;  dorsal  fin  with  a  marginal  series 
of  black  spots.  triserialis,  p.  155. 

dd.     Sides  with  a  series  of  white  spots  and  a  white  line  across  oc- 
ciput, ocellatus,  p.  156. 
bb.     Vomerine  teeth  in  2  series. 

e.  Head  and  trunk  about  half  as  long  as  tail ;  mouth  large,  the  gape 

less  than  2.65  in  head. 

f .  Head  long,  2.95  in  head  and  trunk ;  mouth  large,  the  cleft  2.25 
in  head;  eye  moderate,  about  half  as  long  as  snout,  12.5  in 
head;  throat  and  pectoral  fins  pale.  magnioculis,  p.  157. 

ff.  Head  somewhat  shorter,  3.1  to  3.2  in  head  and  trunk;  mouth 
smaller,  the  cleft  2.5  to  2.6  in  head;  eye  large,  more  than  half 
the  length  of  snout,  8.2  to  9.9  in  head ;  throat  and  pectoral  fins 
dusky.  zophochir,  p.  158. 

ee.  Head  and  trunk  notably  longer  than  half  the  tail;  mouth  some- 
what smaller,  the  cleft  2.66  in  head;  eye  large,  about  1.5  in 
snout;  pectorals  dusky,  dark  along  upper  edge;  lower  jaw  with 
dusky  markings.  gomesii,  p.  159. 

aa.  Teeth  in  upper  jaw  in  2  or  3  series,  those  in  lower  jaw  not 
quite  in  I  series,  some  in  front  forming  a  second  series ;  origin 
of  dorsal  behind  end  of  pectorals.  puncticeps,  p.  160. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    155 

96.  Ophichthus  chamensis    sp.  nov.     (Plate  VIII,  fig.  2.) 

Type  No.  82216,  U.  S.  N.  M.;  length  265  mm.;  Chame  Point, 
Panama. 

Body  moderately  slender,  scarcely  compressed;  head  and  trunk 
short,  about  half  as  long  as  tail;  the  tail  1.5  in  total  length;  head 
moderate,  2.9  to  3.5  in  head  and  trunk ;  snout  somewhat  depressed,  pro- 
jecting beyond  mouth,  5.5  to  6.25  in  head;  eye  lateral,  rather  small,  a 
little  more  than  half  the  length  of  snout;  interorbital  transversely  flat 
or  a  little  concave,  broader  than  eye  in  specimens  250  mm.  in  length ; 
mouth  rather  large,  horizontal,  about  half  the  length  of  gape  behind 
the  eye,  3.1  to  3.9  in  head  when  measured  from  tip  of  lower  jaw  to 
angle  of  mouth ;  teeth  in  each  jaw  in  2  series ;  vomerine  teeth  in  a 
slightly  irregular  series;  gill-slits  subinferior,  vertical,  separated  by  a 
distance  a  little  greater  than  length  of  one  slit,  length  of  slit  8.35  to 
9.7  in  head;  anterior  nostril  ending  in  a  short  tube  on  ventral  sur- 
face of  the  overhanging  snout;  a  dermal  flap  on  lateral  margin  of 
upper  jaw  a  little  in  front  of  posterior  nostril ;  lateral  line  well  devel- 
oped, arched  over  the  opercular  region ;  vent  close  in  front  of  anal ;  ori- 
gin of  dorsal  over  or  slightly  behind  middle  of  pectorals,  very  low,  not 
confluent  with  the  anal  around  tail;  caudal  fin  wanting,  the  tail  end- 
ing in  a  sharp,  horny  point ;  anal  fin  low  like  the  dorsal ;  pectoral  fins 
large,  inserted  above  and  behind  gill-slit,  the  length  2.25  to  2.4  in  head. 

Color  uniform  brownish  above;  pale  below;  no  spots  or  blotches 
on  sides;  tip  of  snout  and  lower  jaw  dusky;  a  row  of  dark  spots 
along  margin  of  lower  jaw. 

This  eel  is  represented  by  13  specimens,  ranging  from  68  to  265 
mm.  in  length,  collected  at  Chame  Point  by  Mr.  Robert  Tweedlie. 
This  species  falls  into  the  group  having  the  vomerine  teeth  in  a  single 
series  and  the  teeth  in  each  jaw  in  2  series,  but  it  appears  to  differ 
from  any  known  species  of  that  group  in  the  very  long  tail  and  in 
the  uniform  coloration.  It  resembles  O.  zophochir  very  closely,  ap- 
parently differing  only  in  the  uniserial  teeth  on  the  vomer. 

97.  Ophichthus  triserialis  (Kaup). 

Murcenopsis  triserialis  Kaup,  Cat.  Apod.  Fish  Brit.   Mus.,   1856,   12 

(Pacific). 
Herpetoichthys   callisoma  Abbott,   Proc.   Ac.   Nat.   Sci.   Phila.,    1860 

475  (Locality  unknown). 
Ophisurus  calif orniensis  Garrett,   Proc.   Cal.  Ac.   Sci.,  Ill,   1863,  66 

(Coast  of  Lower  California). 
Ophichthys  triserialis  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  VIII,  1870,  58. 


156   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Ophichthus  rugifer  Jordan  &  Bollman,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1889, 

155  (Charles  Island,  Galapagos). 
Ophichthus  triserialis  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  384- 

Body  cylindrical ;  the  trunk  rather  long ;  the  tail  moderate,  exceeding 
the  length  of  the  rest  of  the  body  by  length  of  head,  1.8  in  total  length; 
head  long,  flat  above,  3.8  in  head  and  trunk;  snout  depressed,  pro- 
jecting prominently  beyond  the  mouth,  4.95  in  head;  eye  moderate, 
lateral,  3.8  in  head;  mouth  large,  the  gape  reaching  far  beyond  eye, 
2.7  in  head  when  measured  from  tip  of  lower  jaw  to  angle  of  mouth ; 
teeth  small,  pointed,  subequal,  in  2  series  in  each  jaw,  vomerine  teeth 
in  a  single  series ;  gill-slits  nearly  vertical,  well  separated,  the  isth- 
mus as  broad  as  gill-slits,  the  slits  nearly  as  long  as  snout ;  anterior  nos- 
tril with  a  rather  prominent  tube  on  lower  edge  of  the  overhanging  snout ; 
lateral  line  well  developed;  origin  of  dorsal  over  about  middle  of 
pectorals,  the  fin  quite  low,  ending  a  short  distance  in  advance  of  tip 
of  tail;  tail  with  a  sharp,  horny  point;  anal  fin  low,  similar  to  dorsal; 
pectoral  fins  long  and  narrow,  inserted  above  and  behind  gill-open- 
ing, 2.8  in  head. 

Color  light  brown;  a  row  of  large  black  spots  along  side  on  and 
above  lateral  line;  a  row  of  smaller  spots  along  back  on  each  side 
of  dorsal,  usually  although  not  always  alternating  with  the  large 
spots ;  a  third  row  of  moderately  large,  black  spots  below  lateral  line,  pre- 
sent anteriorly  but  disappearing  posteriorly;  head  with  many  small 
black  spots.  Dorsal  fin  with  a  marginal  series  of  black  spots;  anal 
fin  pale  or  with  dusky  punctulations ;  pectoral  fins  with  many  dusky 
punctulations,  those  on  base  of  fin  forming  indefinite  dark  spots. 

This  fish  is  not  present  in  the  Panama  collections,  nor  does  there  ap- 
pear to  be  a  Panama  record.  It  is  here  included  because  of  its  range  of 
distribution,  which  brings  it  within  the  scope  of  the  present  work.  The 
above  description  is  based  on  a  specimen  700  mm.  in  length  taken  at 
Cape  San  Lucas. 

Known  from  Lower  California  to  the  Galapagos  Islands. 

98.  Ophichthus  ocellatus  (Le  Sueur). 

Murcenophis  ocellata  Le  Sueur,  Journ.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  V,  1825, 

108,  PI.  IV,  fig.  3  (South  America). 
Ophisurus  remiger  Valenciennes,  in  D'Orbigny,  Voy.  Amer.  Merid., 

Poiss.,  1839,  PI.  XII,  fig.  2. 
Ophichthys  ocellatus  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  VIII,  1870,  68. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    157 

Herpetoichthys  ocellatus  Goode  &  Bean,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1879, 

155- 
Ophichthus  ocellatus  Jordan  &  Evermann,   Bull.  U.   S.   Nat.   Mus. 

XLVII,  1896,  383. 

Body  slender;  the  tail  longer  than  the  rest  of  body,  1.85  in  total 
length;  head  3.8  in  head  and  trunk;  depth  12.5 ;  snout  pointed,  project- 
ing beyond  /the  mouth,  its  length  5.1  in  head;  eye  8.7;  interorbital 
6.6 ;  mouth  large,  the  gape  extending  far  beyond  eye,  2.4  in  head ;  teeth 
all  pointed,  subequal,  in  2  series  in  each  jaw,  vomerine  teeth  ante- 
riorly in  a  patch,  those  on  shaft  of  vomer  uniserial;  anterior  nostril 
with  a  tube,  the  posterior  nostril  in  margin  of  upper  lip;  gill-open- 
ing nearly  vertical,  its  width  about  twice  the  base  of  pectoral ;  origin 
of  dorsal  over  middle  of  pectorals,  the  distance  from  tip  of  snout  2.9 
in  head  and  trunk;  pectoral  fins  2.5  in  head. 

Color  light  brown  above ;  nearly  white  below,  sides  with  a  series 
of  about  17  white  spots  of  about  the  size  of  eye;  a  white  line  across 
occiput,  in  front  of  which  are  2  short  lines  on  each  side  of  head,  be- 
low these  on  each  side  is  a  right  angle  formed  by  2  short  lines. 

This  fish  was  not  taken  by  us.  It  is  here  described  from  2  speci- 
mens, one  from  Florida,  U.  S.  N.  M.  No.  22289,  and  the  other  from 
South  Carolina,  U.  S.  N.  M.  No.  25585,  respectively  570  and  462  mm. 
in  length. 

Known  from  South  Carolina  to  Brazil. 

99.  Ophichthus  magnioculis  (Kaup). 

Scytalophis  magnioculis  Kaup,  Cat.  Apod.  Fish  Brit.  Mus.,  1856,  13 

fig.  7  (St.  Croix;  Brazil). 

Ophichthys  magnoculus  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  VIII,  1870,  59. 
Ophichthus  magnioculis  Jordan  &  Davis,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish.  Comm., 

XVI,  1888  (1892),  633;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  385   (Aspinwall=Colon.) 

Body  moderately  robust ;  the  head  and  trunk  short,  scarcely  half 
as  long  as  tail;  the  tail  very  long,  1.45  in  total  length;  head  long, 
slightly  depressed,  2.95  in  head  and  trunk;  snout  long,  rather  broad, 
notably  in  advance  of  mouth,  5.1  in  head;  eye  lateral,  about  half  as 
long  as  snout,  12.5  in  head;  mouth  large,  the  gape  reaching  far  be- 
yond eye,  the  distance  being  equal  to  twice  the  diameter  of  eye,  2.25 
in  head  when  measured  from  tip  of  lower  jaw  to  angle  of  mouth; 
teeth  all  small,  pointed,  in  2  distinct  series  on  each  jaw  and  vomer; 
anterior  nostril  ending  in  a  rather  prominent  tube  on  outer  ventral 
edge  of  snout,  just  in  front  of  tip  of  lower  jaw,  the  tube  with  a  short 


158    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

barbel  on  inner  edge;  origin  of  the  dorsal  over  middle  of  pectorals, 
the  fin  low;  tail  ending  in  a  blunt,  horny  point;  anal  fin  low  like  the 
dorsal;  pectoral  fins  long  and  narrow,  inserted  above  and  behind  gill- 
opening,  2.25  in  head. 

Color  brownish,  paler  below;  the  dorsal  and  anal  posteriorly,  at 
least,  margined  with  black;  the  mandible  with  a  series  of  black  dots 
on  each  side  behind  lip. 

This  eel  was  not  taken  by  us.  It  is  here  described  from  a  single 
specimen,  U.  S.  N.  M.  No.  38522,  515  mm.  in  length,  taken  at  "Aspin- 
wall"  by  the  Albatross.  Aspinwall  is  now  Colon,  the  largest  city  on 
the  Atlantic  coast  of  Panama.  This  species  is  very  close  to  O.  zopho- 
chir,  if  actually  distinct.  The  head  in  the  present  species  appears 
to  be  slightly  longer,  the  mouth  a  little  larger,  the  eye  smaller  and  the 
color  differs  slightly,  the  throat  and  pectoral  fins  being  pale  instead 
of  dusky.  These  differences-  are  small  and  might  well  occur  within 
the  range  of  variation  of  a  species,  and  we  should  not  hesitate  to  unite 
the  two  species,  were  they  not  from  the  opposite  shores. 

Known  from  the  West  Indies  to  Brazil. 

100.  Ophichthus  zophochir  (Jordan  &  Gilbert). 

Ophichthys  sophochir  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1881, 

347  (Mazatlan). 
Ophichthus  zophochir  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  385 ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  37  (Panama  Bay). 

Body  slender;  the  trunk  short,  head  and  trunk  only  a  little  more 
than  half  as  long  as  tail;  the  tail  long,  1.55  to  1.6  in  total  length;  head 
rather  long,  3.1  to  3.2  in  head  and  trunk;  snout  somewhat  depressed, 
projecting  prominently  beyond  mouth,  5.3  in  head;  eye  lateral,  about 
1 .75  in  snout,  8.2  to  9.9  in  head ;  mouth  large,  the  gape  reaching  behind 
eye  a  distance  equal  to  1.25  diameter  of  eye,  its  length  2.5  to  2.6 
in  head  when  measured  from  tip  of  lower  jaw  to  angle  of  mouth; 
teeth  in  the  jaws  small,  subequal,  in  2  well  separated  series  on  each 
jaw  and  on  vomer;  gill-slits  vertical,  well  separated,  the  isthmus 
nearly  as  broad  as  gill-slit;  lateral  line  well  developed,  arched  over 
the  opercular  region ;  anterior  nostril  ending  in  a  short  tube  on  lower 
lateral  edge  of  snout  just  in  front  of  tip  of  lower  jaw;  origin  of  dorsal 
over  middle  of  pectorals,  the  fin  very  low ;  tail  ending  in  a  short  horny 
point;  anal  fin  low,  similar  to  dorsal;  pectoral  fins  rather  long  and 
narrow,  inserted  behind  and  above  gill-opening,  2.25  to  2.45  in  head. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    159 

Color  brown  above;  yellowish  below;  opercular  regions,  lower 
jaw,  throat  and  pectoral  fins  dusky;  dorsal  and  anal  fins  black  edged. 

This  eel  is  not  in  our  collection,  but  it  is  recorded  from  Panama 
by  Gilbert  &  Starks,  who  base  the  record  on  a  single  specimen 
329  mm.  in  length.  The  above  description  is  based  on  2  type  specimens 
from  Mazatlan. 

Known  from  Guaymas  to  Panama. 

101.  Ophichthus  gomesii   (Castelnau). 

Ophisurus  gomesii  Castelnau,  Anim.  Nouv.  Rares  Amer.  Sud,  1855, 

84,  PI.  XLIV,  fig.  2  (Rio  Janeiro). 

Ophisurus  chrysops  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1861,  321  (Havana). 
Ophichthys  brachyurus  Poey,  Syn.  Pise.  Cub.,  1868,  426   (Havana). 
Ophichthys  gomesii  Gunther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  VIII,  1870,  60. 
Oxyodontichthys  limbatus  Poey,  Anal.   Soc.  Espan.  Hist.   Nat.,  IX, 

1880,  254  (Havana;  name  substituted  for  brathyurus) . 
? Oxyodontichthys  macrurus  Poey,  Anal.  Soc.  Espan.  Hist.  Nat.,  IX, 

1880,  254  (Havana). 
Ophichthys  chrysops  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI, 

1883,  898. 
Ophichthus  gomesii  Jordan  &  Davis,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish.  Comm.,  XVI, 

1888   (1892),  632;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  384. 

"Vomerine  teeth  biserial  throughout;  teeth  in  both  jaws  biserial, 
subequal,  no  canines;  pectoral  2^  to  21/5  in  head,  about  as  long  as 
cleft  of  mouth,  which  is  2^3  in  head.  Body  terete;  the  head  rather 
short,  about  2%  (2^  to  3)  in  trunk;  the  head  and  trunk  I  5/7 
(1^2  "chrysops"  to  I  9/10  "macrurus")  in  the  tail;  snout  rather  short, 
pointed;  interorbital  space  broad,  equal  to  eye,  which  is  about  1^2  in 
snout;  nasal  tubes  short;  dorsal  inserted  behind  middle  of  pectoral; 
diameter  of  gill-opening  equal  to  eye,  1^2  in  the  isthmus,  3  in  the 
pectoral. 

"Olive  brown  above,  the  coloration  caused  by  innumerable  brown 
points  on  a  yellowish  ground ;  light  yellow  below ;  pectoral  dusky,  dark 
along  the  upper  edge;  lower  jaw  with  dusky  markings;  dorsal  and  anal 
fin  translucent,  with  dark  margins;  pores  on  jaws  and  head  conspic- 
uous." (Jordan  &  Evermann.) 

This  species,  which  is  recorded  from  South  Carolina  to  Rio 
Janeiro,  was  not  seen  by  us  on  the  coast  of  Panama.  It  is  said  to  be 
a  common  species  at  Cuba  and  the  Florida  Keys.  It  appears  to  be  very 
closely  related  to  O.  magnioculis  and  0.  zophochir. 


160   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

102.  Ophichthus  puncticeps  (Kaup). 

Cryptopterus  puncticeps  Kaup,  Abh.  Naturw.  Ver.  Hamburg,  IV,  1859 

(1860),  n,  PI.  I,  fig.  2  (Puerto  Cabello). 

Ophichthus  puncticeps  Gunther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  VIII,  1870,  60. 
Ophichthys  puncticeps  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  382. 

This  eel  was  not  seen  by  us.  It  is  described  as  having  the  teeth 
in  the  upper  jaw  in  2  or  3  series  and  the  teeth  in  the  lower  jaw  not 
quite  in  one  series,  some  in  front  forming  a  second  series.  The  tail  is 
longer  than  the  rest  of  the  body,  being  Y$  of  the  total  length ;  the  eye 
is  of  moderate  size,  and  the  mouth  of  moderate  width.  The  origin  of 
the  dorsal  falls  behind  the  end  of  the  pectoral,  and  the  pectoral  fins 
are  well  developed.  The  color  is  uniform. 

This  fish  appears  to  be  known  only  from  Puerto  Cabello. 

Family  XXIV.    Muraenidae. 

THE  MORAYS. 

Body  moderately  robust;  head  conic;  mouth  large;  the  occipital 
region  elevated  through  the  development  of  strong  muscles;  teeth 
strong,  sharp  or  blunt;  gill-openings  small,  lateral;  skin  thick  leathery, 
extending  on  the  dorsal  and  anal  fins  which  are  confluent  around  the 
tail ;  pectoral  fins  entirely  wanting. 

The  morays  inhabit  the  warmer  seas,  usually  living  among  the 
corals  and  rocks.  Some  of  them  reach  a  large  size  and  are  voracious 
and  pugnacious. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA. 

a.  Origin  of  the  dorsal  over  or  behind  the  gill-opening. 

Rabula,  p.  161. 
aa.     Origin^of  the  dorsal  in  advance  of  the  gill-opening. 

b.  Teeth   nearly  all  pointed,  the  anterior  ones   well   developed 
canines. 

c.  The  anterior  nostril  with  a  short  tube,  the  posterior  nostril 
without  a  tube.  Gymnothorax,  p.  161. 

cc.     Both  nostrils  with  a  distinct  tube.  Murcena,  p.  168. 

bb.     Teeth  nearly  all  blunt,  no  differentiated  canines. 

Echidna,  p.  170. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    161 

46.  Genus  Rabula  Jordan  &  Davis. 

Rabula  Jordan  &  Davis,  Kept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XVI,  1888  (1892), 

590  (type  Murana  aqucs-dulcis  Cope). 

Form  and  dentition  essentially  the  same  as  in  Gymnothorax, 
differing  in  having  the  origin  of  the  dorsal  over  or  behind  gill-openings. 
We  did  not  obtain  any  specimens  of  this  genus.  Below,  however,  is 
given  an  account  of  one  species  which  has  been  taken  in  Panama. 

103.  Rabula  panamensis  (Steindachner). 

Mur&na  panamensis  Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien,  LXXIV) 

Ichth.  Beitr.,  V,  1876,  19  (Panama)  ;  Boulenger,  Boll.  Mus.  Zool. 

Anat.  Torino,  XIV,  No.  346,  1899,  2   (Flamenco  Island,  Panama 

Bay). 
Sidera  panamensis  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882,  623 

(Pearl  Islands). 
Rabula  panamensis  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  391  (Panama)  ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  37- 

Body  compressed;  the  tail  longer  than  rest  of  body,  about  1.85 
in  total  length ;  head  3.57  in  head  and  trunk ;  snout  pointed,  projecting 
slightly,  5.45  in  head;  eye  about  1.33  in  snout,  9.4  in  head;  mouth 
large,  reaching  beyond  eye ;  the  gape  2.25  in  head  when  measured  from 
tip  of  lower  jaw  to  angle  of  mouth;  teeth  anteriorly  canine-like,  the 
lower  jaw  anteriorly  with  2  series,  only  I  series  posteriorly,  upper 
jaw  with  2  series,  vomerine  teeth  small  and  pointed,  some  of  the 
teeth  finely  serrate  at  base  of  posterior  margin;  the  anterior  nostril 
only  with  a  very  short  tube ;  gill-opening  very  small ;  origin  of  dorsal 
slightly  behind  gill-opening ;  the  dorsal  and  anal  fins  low,  of  about  equal 
height,  confluent  around  the  tail. 

Body  uniform  brownish;  the  eye  surrounded  by  black;  the  pores 
on  jaws  whitish. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us,  but  the  type  is  from  Panama; 
a  second  specimen  is  recorded  from  the  Pearl  Islands  by  Jordan  & 
Gilbert;  and  another  specimen  is  reported  from  Flamenco  Island  by 
Boulenger.  A  rare  species.  We  have  examined  a  poorly  preserved 
specimen,  U.  S.  N.  M.  No.  43594,  labeled  "South  America." 

Apparently  recorded  only  from  Panama. 

47.  Genus  Gymnothorax  Bloch. 

Gymnothorax  Bloch,  Naturg.  Ausl.  Fische,  IX,  1795,  83  (type  Gym- 
nothorax murcena  Bloch=MMra«a  helena  Linnaeus). 


1 62    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Lycodontis  McClelland,  Journ.  Nat.  Hist.  Calcutta,  V,  1844,  173  (type 

Lycodontis  literata  McClelland). 

Body  elongate,  moderately  compressed;  dorsal  and  anal  fins 
developed,  the  origin  of  the  former  before  gill-openings;  caudal  fin 
present;  confluent  with  dorsal  and  anal;  anterior  nostril  only  with  a 
tube;  posterior  nostril  over  anterior  portion  of  eye,  its  margin  slightly 
raised  in  some  species ;  teeth  mostly  pointed,  the  anterior  ones  in  both 
jaws  canines,  some  being  depressible;  teeth  on  shaft  of  vomer  usually 
in  one  series ;  no  pectoral  fins ;  gill-openings  lateral,  small,  nearly 
horizontal. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES*. 

a.  Teeth  all  entire,  without  serrations. 

b.  Color  brownish,  the  markings,  if  any,  are  blackish,  not  whitish 
or  yellowish. 

c.  Body  plain  dark  brown,  lower  parts  somewhat  paler ;  no  spots ; 
the  fins  with  or  without  pale  margins;  teeth  on  anterior  part 
of  jaws  more  or  less  distinctly  in  2  series,  about  20  teeth  on 
side  of  lower  jaw;  tail  longer  than  rest  of  body,  about  1.75  in 
total  length.  funebris,  p.  163. 

cc.  Body  brownish,  finely  freckled  or  mottled  with  darker;  teeth 
all  uniserial. 

d.  Body  mottled  with  dark  brown  or  slightly  purplish  spots ;  lower 
jaw  with  about  22  teeth  on  side;  tail  longer  than  rest  of  body 
by  about  .66  the  length  of  head.  vicinus,  p.  164. 

dd.  Body  finely  freckled,  but  without  distinct  spots;  lower  jaw 
with  about  13  teeth  on  side;  tail  about  equal  in  length  to  the 
rest  of  the  body.  verrilli,  p.  165. 

bb.  Color  brownish,  mottled,  reticulated  or  speckled  with  white 
or  light  yellow. 

e.  Body  with  small  pale  spots  or  specks;  snout  long,  about  4.5  in 
head.  dovii,  p.  165. 

ee.  Body  everywhere  mottled  and  reticulated  with  pale  or  light 
yellow,  varying  among  individuals;  snout  short,  about  6  in 
head.  moringa,  p.  166. 

aa.     Teeth  serrate,  at  least  at  base  of  posterior  margin. 

*Too  much  dependence  should  not  be  placed  on  this  key,  as  we  have  been 
unable  to  examine  several  of  the  species  mentioned,  and  they  are  very  imper- 
fectly described.  The  characters  used,  therefore,  have  not  been  verified  in 
all  of  the  species. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    163 

f.  Body  everywhere,  except  on  chin  and  abdomen,  with  pale 
yellowish  round  spots,  smallest  and  most  numerous  on  head; 
fins  mostly  black,  with  a  series  of  very  large  spots  cutting  the 
margins  and  placed  at  regular  intervals;  eye  conspicuously 
surrounded  by  black.  jordani,  p.  167. 

ff.  Body  with  irregular  light  yellowish  spots,  variable  in  size  and 
number,  often  making  the  ground  color  appear  as  brown 
reticulations;  dorsal  fin  with  large  black  spots,  sometimes 
running  together  and  forming  a  black  band;  anal  with  a  dark 
edge.  ocellatus,  p.  168. 

104.  Gymnothorax  funebris  Ranzani. 

Gymnothorax  funebris  Ranzani,  Novi  Comment.  Ac.  Sci.  Inst.  Bonon., 

IV,  1840,  76  (Brazil). 
Murcsna  lineopinnis  Richardson,   Voy.   Erebus   &   Terror,    1844,   89 

( Puerto  Cabello). 

Murana  inf emails  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1861,  347,  354  (Cuba). 
Murana  erebus  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1861,  426  (Cuba). 
Thyrsoidea  concolor  Abbott,   Proc.  Ac.   Nat.   Sci.  Phila.,   1860,  479 

(Vera  Cruz). 

Sidera  funebris  Bean  &  Dresel,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1885,  169. 
Lycodontis  funebris  Jordan   &  Evermann,   Bull.  U.   S.   Nat.    Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  396. 

Body  not  very  slender,  compressed;  head  and  trunk  shorter  than 
tail,  2.1  to  2.3  in  total  length;  the  tail  tapering,  1.75  to  1.9  in  total 
length ;  head  2.9  to  3 15  in  head  and  trunk ;  depth  6  to  7.5 ;  snout  long, 
pointed,  only  slightly  projecting,  5  to  6  in  head;  eye  9  to  12;  mouth 
large,  the  gape  reaching  far  beyond  eye,  2.1  to  2.5  in  head  when 
measured  from  tip  of  lower  jaw  to  angle  of  mouth ;  teeth  all  pointed, 
those  on  anterior  part  of  jaws  more  or  less  distinctly  in  2  series; 
enlarged  canines;  posteriorly  in  a  single  close  set  series,  directed 
backward,  about  20  on  side  in  lower  jaw;  vomer  with  2  or  3  large 
teeth  anteriorly,  an  interval  without  teeth,  the  teeth  on  shaft  of  vomer 
small,  in  a  single  more  or  less  irregular  series  or  in  2  series; 
gill-opening  a  small  slit,  not  much  longer  than  eye;  origin  of  dorsal 
over  nape,  slightly  nearer  gill-opening  than  angle  of  mouth,  the  fin 
confluent  with  the  anal  around  the  tail. 

Color  plain  dark  brown,  lower  parts  somewhat  paler ;  the  fins  rather 
darker  than  the  body,  with  or  without  pale  margins.  In  a  few  of  our 
specimens  the  anal  and  the  posterior  part  of  the  dorsal  are  prominently 


164    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

edged  with  white,  in  another  specimen  only  the  posterior  part  of  both 
fins  is  feebly  edged  with  white;  the  dorsal  and  anal  usually  with 
more  or  less  distinct  dark  longitudinal  stripes. 

Nine  specimens  of  this  species  were  preserved,  ranging  in  length 
from  385  to  665  mm.  It  is  not  infrequently  seen  in  the  Colon  fish 
market,  being  of  some  value  as  food.  There  appears  to  be  considerable 
variation  with  respect  to  the  arrangement  of  the  vomerine  teeth,  some 
specimens  having  a  single,  fairly  straight  series  on  the  shaft,  others 
having  an  irregular  series  and  still  others  with  2  distinct  series.  There 
is  no  indication  that  these  differences  are  due  to  age,  but  they  appear 
as  mere  variations  among  specimens.  There  is  also  some  variation 
with  respect  to  the  color  of  the  fins,  as  has  been  pointed  out  under  the 
description  of  the  color. 

Known  from  Florida  to  Brazil.  Also  recorded  from  the  Cape  Verde 
Islands.  Our  specimens  are  from  Mindi,  Colon  and  Porto  Bello. 

105.  Gymnothorax  vicinus   (Castelnau). 

Murenophis  vicina  Castelnau,  Anim.  Nouv.  Rares  Amer.  Sud,  1855, 

81,  PI.  XLII,  fig.  4  (Bahia). 

Gymnothorax  versipunctatus  Poey,  Enumeratio,  1875,  156  (Cuba). 
Murana  vicina  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  VIII,  1870,  121. 
Gymnothorax  vicinus  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1890,  315. 
Lycodontis  vicinus  Jordan    &   Evermann,    Bull.   U.    S.    Nat.    Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  394. 

Body  moderately  slender;  the  tail  longer  than  the  rest  of  the 
body  by  about  .66  the  length  of  head;  head  long,  about  2  in  trunk; 
snout  long  and  narrow;  eye  large,  2  in  snout;  mouth  large,  the  gape 
reaching  far  beyond  eye,  the  jaws  straight  and  the  mouth  capable  of 
being  completely  closed;  teeth  all  entire,  uniserial;  canines  well 
developed  on  anterior  part  of  jaws;  lower  jaw  with  about  22  teeth  at 
side ;  gill-opening  narrower  than  eye ;  origin  of  dorsal  about  an  eye's 
diameter  in  advance  of  gill-opening. 

Color  brown,  finely  mottled  with  darker  brown  or  purplish ;  angle 
of  mouth  dusky;  black  spot  at  gill-opening  faint  or  wanting;  dorsal 
with  a  dusky  edge,  the  fin  with  dark  longitudinal  stripes;  anal  edged 
with  white. 

This  eel  is  known  from  Cuba  to  Brazil  and  is  also  recorded  from 
Africa.  It  does  not  occur  in  the  Panama  collection  and  was  not  seen 
by  us.  The  above  description  is  compiled  from  published  records. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    165 

106.  Gymnothorax  verrilli  (Jordan  &  Gilbert). 

Sidera  verrilli  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882,  623 

(Panama). 
Gymnothorax  verrilli  Jordan  &  Davis,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XVI, 

1888  (1892),  599. 
Lycodontis  verrilli  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  393- 

Head  and  trunk  about  equal  to  length  of  tail ;  head  3.25  in  trunk ; 
eye  near  angle  of  mouth,  3  in  snout;  teeth  all  entire,  uniserial,  about 
13  on  side  of  lower  jaw;  vomerine  teeth  small,  in  a  short  row 
posteriorly. 

Color  light  chestnut  brown,  finely  freckled,  but  without  distinct 
spots ;  dorsal  with  a  conspicuous  edge  of  blackish,  the  margin  narrowly 
white ;  anal  edged  with  white. 

The  type  and  only  specimen  known  was  taken  at  Panama  in  1866 
by  Prof.  H.  F.  Bradley.  This  specimen  was  not  examined  by  us. 
The  above  description  is  compiled  from  published  accounts. 

107.  Gymnothorax  dovii  (Giinther). 

Murcena    dovii   Giinther,    Cat.    Fish.    Brit.    Mus.,    VIII,    1870,    103 

(Panama). 
Murcena  pintita  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1881,  346 

(Mazatlan). 

Sidera  dovii  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1883,  209 
Gymnothorax  dovii  Jordan  &  Davis,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XVI, 

1888  (1892),  604. 
Lycadontis  dovii  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  397;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  37 

(Panama). 

Body  not  very  slender,  compressed;  head  and  trunk  shorter  than 
tail,  2.15  to  2.4  in  total  length;  tail  tapering,  1.7  to  1.85  in  total  length; 
head  3.3  to  3.6  in  head  and  trunk;  depth  5.7  to  5.9;  snout  pointed, 
scarcely  projecting,  4.5  to  4.75  in  head;  eye  10.2  to  13.6;  mouth  large, 
the  gape  reaching  far  beyond  eye,  2.06  to  2.33  in  head  when 
measured  from  tip  of  lower  jaw  to  angle  of  mouth;  teeth  on  the 
dentary  bones  all  in  single  series;  the  teeth  on  anterior  part  of  jaws 
enlarged  canines ;  vomer  anteriorly  with  3  very  large  depressible  teeth, 
the  largest  teeth  present;  shaft  of  vomer  with  small  teeth;  a  rather  long 
space  between  the  large  and  small  teeth  toothless;  gill-opening  a 


i66   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

slit,  slightly  exceeding  the  length  of  eye;  origin  or  dorsal  over  the 
nape,  a  little  nearer  gill-opening  than  angle  of  mouth,  the  fin  confluent 
with  the  anal  around  the  tail. 

Color  brown;  the  body  with  numerous  small  pale  spots,  which  in 
our  specimens  are  mere  specks,  wanting  on  abdomen ;  fins  of  the  same 
color  as  the  body,  also  with  white  dots. 

Only  two  specimens  of  this  species,  860  and  465  mm.  long,  were 
obtained.  One  of  these  was  purchased  in  the  Panama  City  market 
and  the  other  was  taken  from  a  rocky  pool  at  Balboa. 

Known  from  the  Gulf  of  California  to  the  Galapagos  and  Easter 
islands.    Our  specimens  are  from  Balboa  and  Panama. 

108.  Gymnothorax  moringa  (Cuvier). 

Murtena  moringa  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  II,  II,  1829,  352  (Baha- 
mas, after  Catesby). 
Gymnothorax  rostratus  Agassiz,  in  Spix,  Pise.  Brasil.,  1831,  91,  PI. 

5oa  (Brazil). 
Murana  moringua   Richardson,   Voy.    Erebus   &   Terror,    1844,    89 

(Jamaica) . 

Murcena  punctata  Gronow,  Cat.  Fish,  1854,  18  (North  America). 
Murenophis  cur  inline  ata  Castelnau,  Animal.  Nouv.  Rares  Amer.  Sud, 

1855,  81,  PI.  XLII,  fig.  2  (Rio  Janeiro). 
Murenophis   caramura  Castelnau,   Anim.    Nouv.   Rares  Amer.    Sud, 

1855,  82,  PI.  XLIII,  fig.  i  (Bahia). 

Gymnothorax  flavoscriptus  Poey,  Enumeratio,  1875,  158  (Cuba). 
Gymnothorax  picturatus  Poey,  Anal.  Soc.  Espafi.  Hist.  Nat.,  IX,  1880, 

257  (Cuba). 

Sidera  moringa  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1884,  in. 
Gymnothorax  moringa  Jordan  &  Davis,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish.  Comm.,  XVI, 

1888  (1892),  601. 
Lycodontis  moringa  Jordan  &  Evermann,   Bull.  U.   S.   Nat.   Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  395. 

Tail  usually  a  little  longer  than  head  and  trunk ;  head  2  to  3.2  in 
trunk;  snout  6  in  head;  eye  large,  1.5  to  2  in  snout;  cleft  of  mouth 
2.25  to  2.5  in  head;  teeth  uniserial,  unequal  in  size;  those  in  front 
of  jaws  long,  slender  canines;  the  lateral  teeth  directed  backward; 
vomer  with  2  or  3  long  depressible  teeth  in  front  and  a  row  of  smaller 
teeth  posteriorly;  origin  of  dorsal  about  an  eye's  diameter  in  advance 
of  gill-opening. 

Color  in  alcohol  dark  brown,  everywhere  mottled  and  reticulated 
with  pale  or  light  yellow;  ventral  surface  of  the  head  pale,  with  a 


DEC.  20,  1923.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    167 

few  brown  spots;  fins  colored  like  the  body;  the  anal  and  the  dorsal 
usually  posteriorly  bordered  with  white.  The  color  in  this  species  is 
subject  to  considerable  variation.  On  some  specimens  the  light  spots 
have  so  run  together  as  to  leave  none  of  the  usual  ground  color,  or 
just  a  trace  of  it  showing  as  a  few  indefinite,  irregular  markings. 

This  fish  is  known  from  Florida  to  Brazil  and  it  is  also  recorded 
from  St.  Helena.  It  was  not  taken  by  us,  and  is  not  as  yet  recorded 
from  the  Atlantic  coast  of  Panama.  The  above  description  is  compiled 
from  published  accounts. 

109.  Gymnothorax  jordani  (Evermann  &  Marsh). 

Lycodontis  jordani  Evermann  &  Marsh,  Kept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1899 

(1900),  352,  and  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XX,  Pt.  I,  1900  (1902), 

78,  PI.  II  (Mayaguez,  Porto  Rico). 

Body  rather  slender;  head  and  body  shorter  than  tail;  2.25  in 
total  length ;  tail  long,  tapering,  slender  posteriorly,  i  .8  in  total  length ; 
head  3.06  in  head  and  trunk;  snout  moderate,  slightly  projecting, 
4.62  in  head ;  eye  7.5 ;  mouth  large,  the  gape  reaching  far  beyond  the 
eye,  2.5  in  head  measured  from  tip  of  lower  jaw  to  angle  of  mouth  ; 
teeth  all  in  single  series,  the  anterior  ones  in  the  jaws  enlarged, 
canines ;  the  lateral  teeth  moderate,  not  very  close  set,  directed  backward, 
serrate  at  base  at  least  on  posterior  margin;  vomer  anteriorly  without 
teeth,  the  shaft  with  a  single  series  of  blunt  teeth;  gill-opening  a 
small  slit,  scarcely  as  long  as  eye;  origin  of  dorsal  about  an  eye's 
diameter  in  advance  of  gill-opening,  the  fin  notably  higher  than  the 
anal  and  confluent  with  it  around  the  tail. 

Color  brown  above;  somewhat  paler  below;  body  everywhere, 
except  on  chin  and  abdomen,  with  pale  yellowish  spots,  smallest  and 
most  numerous  on  head,  largest  on  distal  part  of  tail  where  they  are 
not  much  smaller  than  eye;  eye  conspicuously  surrounded  by  black; 
the  fins  darker  than  the  body,  with  large,  yellowish  spots  at  regular 
intervals,  much  larger  than  those  on  the  body. 

A  single  specimen  310  mm.  in  length  was  taken.  We  have 
compared  it  with  the  type  of  the  species  with  which  it  appears  to 
agree  quite  well.  The  teeth  were,  however,  erroneously  described  as 
being  smooth,  whereas  they  are  distinctly  serrate  at  least  on  posterior 
margin  near  the  base.  Its  relationship  therefore  is  with  G.  ocellatus. 

Previously  known  only  from  the  type  from  Porto  Rico.  Our 
specimen  is  from  Fox  Bay,  Colon. 


i68   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

110.  Gymnothorax  ocellatus  Agassiz. 

Gymnothorax  ocellatus  Agassiz,  in  Spix,  Pise.  Brasil.,  1831,  91,  PI. 

Lb  (Brazil). 

Priodonophis  ocellatus  Poey,  Syn.  Pise.  Cub.,  1868,  427. 
Murana  ocellata  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  VIII,  1870,  102. 
Lycodontis  ocellatus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.   U.   S.   Nat.   Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  399. 

Tail  a  little  longer  than  rest  of  body;  head  2  to  2.25  in  trunk,  3.5 
to  4.5  in  tail;  snout  rather  short  and  thick;  eye  rather  small,  1.25  to 
1.75  in  snout;  mouth  large,  capable  of  being  closed;  the  gape  2.5  to  3 
in  head;  teeth  all  uniserial  in  the  jaws,  rather  large  and  strong,  the 
posterior  edge  of  the  larger  teeth  serrate;  vomer  with  a  few  small 
teeth  or  none ;  gill-opening  narrow. 

Color  brown  above,  lighter  below,  with  irregular  light  yellowish 
spots,  variable  in  size  and  sometimes  very  thickly  placed,  making  the 
ground  work  appear  as  brown  reticulations;  dorsal  fin  with  large 
black  spots  on  the  edge,  these  often  running  together  and  forming  a 
black  band ;  anal  fin  with  a  dark  edge. 

This  species  is  known  from  Florida  to  Uruguay.  It  was  not  seen 
on  the  Atlantic  coast  of  Panama,  and  is  not  recorded  from  there. 
Its  distribution,  however,  brings  it  within  the  scope  of  the  present 
work.  The  above  description  is  compiled  from  published  accounts. 


48.  Genus  Muraena  Linnaeus. 

Murana  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  244  (type  Murcena  Helena 

Linnaeus). 
Muranophis  Cuvier,  Tab.  filement.,  1798,  329  (type  Murcena  Helena 

Linnaeus). 
Limamurana   Kaup,    Cat.   Apod.    Fish   Brit.   Mus.,    1856,   95    (type 

Limamurana  guttata  Kaup) . 

This  species  differs  from  Gymnothorax  and  the  other  genera  of  the 
family  in  the  presence  of  2  pairs  of  nasal  barbels ;  teeth  pointed. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Body  with  well  separated  round  yellowish  spots  which  are  more 
or  less  distinctly  surrounded  with  black.  lentiginosa,  p.  169. 

aa.  Body  everywhere  profusely  spotted  with  irregular  white  spots, 
posteriorly  often  more  or  less  united,  forming  reticulations,  not 
surrounded  with  black.  clepsydra,  p.  169. 


DEC.  20,  1923.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    169 

111.  Muraena  lentiginosa  Jenyns. 

Murana  lentiginosa  Jenyns,  Voy.  Beagle,  Zool.,  1842,  143  (Galapagos 

Islands) ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  402 ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  39. 
Murcena  pinta  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1881,  345 

(Mazatlan),  and  1882,  371   (Panama). 

Body  rather  slender;  the  tail  prominently  compressed,  longer  than 
rest  of  body,  about  1.75  in  total  length;  head  about  3.3  in  head  and 
trunk;  snout  pointed,  slightly  projecting,  5.3  in  head;  eye  moderate, 
1.75  in  snout;  mouth  large,  reaching  far  beyond  eye;  the  gape  2.25 
in  head  when  measured  from  tip  of  lower  jaw  to  angle  of  mouth; 
teeth  all  pointed,  those  in  upper  jaw  in  2  series  in  young  (nearly  or 
quite  uniserial  in  adult),  the  inner  teeth  depressible;  mandible  and 
vomer  each  with  a  single  series  of  teeth;  young  with  2  or  3  long 
canines  on  anterior  part  of  vomer  (apparently  lost  in  adult)  ;  shaft  of 
vomer  with  a  series  of  small,  rather  close  set  teeth;  gill-opening  an 
oblique  slit,  about  as  long  as  eye ;  origin  of  dorsal  over  the  head,  about 
equidistant  from  eye  and  gill-slit;  the  dorsal  much  higher  than  the 
anal  and  confluent  with  it  around  the  tail. 

Color  brownish,  with  yellowish  spots,  more  or  less  distinctly  edged 
with  black ;  gill-opening  surrounded  by  black ;  fins  colored  and  spotted 
like  the  body. 

This  eel  was  not  taken  by  us.  The  Panama  record  is  based  on  a 
single  specimen,  178  mm.  long,  taken  by  Rev.  Rowell  during  the 
seventies  of  the  past  century.  It  has  not  been  seen  there  by  other 
collectors.  The  above  description  is  based  on  Rev.  Rowell's  specimen 
and  a  specimen  515  mm.  in  length  from  Colima. 

Known  from  the  Gulf  of  California  to  the  Galapagos  Islands. 

112.  Mursena  clepsydra  Gilbert. 

Murcena  clepsydra  Gilbert,  in  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  2805  (Panama)  ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir. 

Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  38,  PI.  VII,  fig.  13  (Panama)  ;  Kendall  & 

Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXV,  1912,  81   (Panama 

Bay)  . 

Body  compressed,  rather  robust,  growing  much  more  so  with  age ; 
tail  longer  than  rest  of  body,  1.7  to  1.85  in  total  length;  head  2.9  to 
3.1  in  head  and  trunk;  depth  at  vent  2  in  head  in  specimens  385  mm. 
long,  1.45  in  head  in  specimens  750  mm.  in  length;  snout  pointed, 
projecting  moderately,  5  to  5.8  in  head ;  eye  rather  small,  2  to  2.7  in 


170   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

snout;  mouth  large,  the  gape  reaching  far  beyond  eye,  2  to  2.6  in 
head  when  measured  from  tip  of  lower  jaw  to  angle  of  mouth;  teeth 
all  pointed,  uniserial,  the  jaw  teeth  slightly  compressed  at  base,  directed 
backward,  the  anterior  teeth  longest;  vomer  with  I  or  2  large  canines 
(none  in  our  largest  specimen),  the  shaft  with  a  single  series  of  small 
teeth ;  gill-opening  an  oblique  slit  about  as  long  as  eye ;  origin  of  dorsal 
over  head,  about  equidistant  from  eye  and  gill-slit;  dorsal  and  anal 
very  fleshy,  confluent  around  the  tail. 

Color  dark  brown,  lighter  below;  everywhere  with  irregular  white 
spots,  largest  posteriorly,  small  on  head,  those  posteriorly  often  more 
or  less  united,  forming  reticulations;  the  base  of  folds  on  chin  each 
with  a  dark  line ;  angle  of  mouth  with  a  black  spot,  preceded  by  a  pale 
spot  on  mandible;  a  large  elliptical  black  spot  surrounding  the 
gill-opening ;  the  fins  of  the  same  color  as  the  body  and  spotted  like  it. 

This  eel  is  represented  by  5  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  385 
to  750  mm.  The  species  is  remarkable  because  of  the  rapid  increase 
in  robustness  with  age.  It  is  a  rather  common  species  on  the  Pacific 
coast  of  Panama  where  it  lives  among  the  rocks.  It  takes  the  hook 
readily,  and  it  is  a  very  vigorous  fighter.  One  large  individual  was 
captured  after  it  had  broken  the  line  twice  and  had  the  third  hook 
lodged  in  its  oesophagus.  The  pain  from  these  wounds  did  not  appear 
to  deter  it  in  the  least  in  its  further  search  for  food. 

Known  only  from  Panama  Bay.  Our  specimens  are  from  Taboga 
Island  and  Panama. 

49.  Genus  Echidna  Forster. 

Echidna  Forster,  Icones  Ineditae,  1777,  181    (type  Echidna  variegata 

Forsttr=Murczna  echidna  Gmelin) . 
Gymnomurana   .Lacepede,    Hist.    Nat.    Poiss.,    V,    1803,    648    (type 

Gymnomur&na  doliata  Lacepede). 
Megaderus  Rafinesque,  Analyse  Nat.,  etc.,   1815,  93    (substitute  for 

Echidna  Forster). 
Pcecilophis    Kaup,    Cat.    Apod.    Fish    Brit.    Mus.,    1856,    98    (type 

Gymnothorax  catenatus  Bloch). 

Body  elongate,  somewhat  compressed;  dorsal  and  anal  fins 
moderately  developed  and  connected  with  the  caudal ;  origin  of  dorsal 
in  front  of  gill-openings;  mouth  large,  the  teeth  blunt,  without 
differentiated  canines,  in  i  or  2  series ;  teeth  on  shaft  of  vomer  similar 
to  those  on  its  anterior  portion  but  smaller;  nostrils  circular,  the 
anterior  with  a  well  developed  tube,  the  posterior  one  with  a 
prominently  raised  margin  forming  a  slight  tube. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    171 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Color  dark,  with  small  yellow  dots;  teeth  rather  slender,  not 
very  blunt.  nocturna,  p.  171. 

aa.  Color  dark,  with  reticulations  of  white  or  yellowish  white; 
teeth  coarse,  very  blunt.  catenata,  p.  171. 

113.  Echidna  nocturna  (Cope). 

Pcecilophis  nocturnus  Cope,  U.  S.  Geol.  Surv.  Mont.,  1871   (1872), 

474  (Rio  Grande  at  San  Jose,  Costa  Rica). 
Echidna  nocturna  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  402  (Cape  San  Lucas). 

Body  moderately  robust,  compressed;  the  tail  a  little  shorter  than 
head  and  trunk,  2.05  in  total  length;  head  rather  short,  very  fleshy 
at  nape,  3.9  to  4.2  in  head  and  trunk;  the  greatest  depth  about  1.5 
in  head ;  snout  pointed,  of  same  length  as  mandible,  5.6  to  6  in  head ; 
eye  2  in  snout,  11.2  to  n.8  in  head;  mouth  large,  reaching  far  beyond 
eye ;  the  gape  2.9  to  3  in  head  when  measured  from  tip  of  lower  jaw 
to  angle  of  mouth;  teeth  mostly  bluntish,  those  in  the  lower  jaw  in  2 
series  throughout;  teeth  in  upper  jaw  anteriorly  uniserial,  then  a  slight 
interval  without  teeth  followed  by  a  narrow  band  of  small,  rather  pointed 
teeth;  vomer  anteriorly  with  a  single  series  of  large  blunt  teeth, 
posteriorly  with  2  series  of  smaller  blunt  teeth ;  gill-opening  an  oblique 
slit,  scarcely  longer  than  eye ;  origin  of  dorsal  in  advance  of  gill-opening 
by  a  distance  equal  to  length  of  snout ;  the  fins  rather  fleshy,  the  dorsal 
notably  higher  than  the  anal,  confluent  around  the  tail. 

Color  black,  brown  on  belly;  sparsely  speckled  with  yellowish  spots 
which  are  smaller  than  pupil  and  are  round  and  regular  in  one 
specimen,  in  another  they  are  somewhat  larger  and  irregular  in  shape, 
some  being  elongate  or  even  half-moon  shaped;  spots  wanting  on 
abdomen.  The  fins  are  colored  like  the  body,  the  dorsal  with  yellowish 
spots  like  the  back. 

This  eel  is  represented  in  the  present  collection  by  3  specimens, 
ranging  in  length  from  620  to  725  mm.  These  were  taken  with  hook 
and  line  at  the  garbage  dump  of  the  U.  S.  Isthmian  Canal  Commission 
Sanitorium  at  Taboga  Island.  A  rare  species. 

Known  from  Cape  San  Lucas  to  the  Galapagos  Islands.  Our 
specimens  are  from  Taboga  Island. 

114.  Echidna  catenata  (Bloch). 

Gynmothorax  catenatus  Bloch,  Ichthyol.,  XII,  1795,  74,  PI.  CCCCXV, 
fig.  i  (Coromandel;  an  error). 


172    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Echidna  fuscomaculata  Poey,  Repertorio,  1868,  263  (Cuba). 
Echidna  flavofasciata  Poey,  Syn.  Pise.  Cub.,  1868,  264  (Cuba). 
Murcena  catenate,  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  VIII,  1870,  130;  Bou- 

lenger,  Boll.  Mus.  Zool.  Anat.  Torino,  XIV,  No.  346,  1899,  2 (Colon). 
Echidna  catenata  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  403. 

Body  moderately  robust,  compressed;  the  tail  shorter  than  head 
and  trunk,  2.3  to  2.4  in  total  length;  head  rather  short,  fleshy  at 
nape,  3.8  to  4  in  head,  the  greatest  depth  nearly  2  in  head;  snouti 
moderately  pointed,  scarcely  in  advance  of  lower  jaw,  6  to  6.4  in  head ; 
eye  1.5  to  2.2  in  snout,  10  to  12  in  head;  mouth  large,  reaching  far 
beyond  eye;  the  gape  3  to  3.2  in  head  when  measured  from  tip  of 
lower  jaw  to  angle  of  mouth;  teeth  notably  coarser  and  blunter  than 
in  E.  nocturna,  the  arrangement  very  similar,  differing  only  in  having 
some  small  teeth  on  the  outside  of  the  large  series  in  upper  jaw, 
forming  an  indefinite  second  series  at  anterior  part  of  side ;  gill-opening 
an  oblique  slit  scarcely  as  long  as  eye,  with  free  and  slightly  raised 
margin;  origin  of  dorsal  in  advance  of  the  gill-opening  by  a  distance 
a  little  longer  than  snout;  the  dorsal  fin  much  higher  than  the  anal, 
confluent  with  it  around  the  tail. 

Color  brownish  black;  everywhere  with  pale  yellowish  or  whitish 
reticulations,  sometimes  forming  bars  or  half-bars  which  branch  on 
the  side,  enclosing  roundish  areas  of  the  ground  color ;  the  pale  usually 
predominating  on  chin  and  abdomen  where  it  encloses  black  spots. 
The  fins  are  blackish  and  reticulated  like  the  body. 

There  are  3  specimens  of  this  eel  in  the  present  collection, 
respectively  400,  480  and  490  mm.  in  length.  This  is  a  common 
species  on  the  coral  reef  at  Colon,  where  it  may  be  seen  lying  in  the 
water-filled  crevices  during  low  tide,  but  it  is  extremely  difficult  to 
capture.  The  specimens  at  hand  were  speared.  While  the  eels  are  in 
the  crevices  it  is  generally  of  no  avail  to  spear  them,  as  they  are  able 
to  offer  such  effectual  resistance  that  the  spear  usually  pulls  out  of 
the  flesh.  They,  however,  occasionally  become  so  irritated  by  being 
disturbed  that  they  venture  to  come  out  from  among  the  crevices  to 
show  fight.  It  is  then  that  they  may  be  speared  and  captured.  This 
eel  is  undoubtedly  very  destructive  to  small  fish,  for  it  was  noticed 
that  it  is  quick  to  proceed  from  the  corals  upon  the  approach  of  the 
incoming  tide  in  order  to  catch  the  little  fish  that  commonly  run 
ahead  of  the  tide  in  the  shallow  water.  One  female  taken  April  4  is 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    173 

in  spawning  condition,  containing  well  developed  eggs  which  are  about 
1.25  mm.  in  diameter. 

Known  from  Bermuda  south  to  Brazil;  also  recorded  from  West 
Africa.    Our  specimens  are  from  Colon. 


Order  IX.     Isospondyli. 

Family  XXV.    Elopidaj. 

THE  TARPONS. 

Body  elongate,  more  or  less  compressed;  mouth  broad;  the  lower 
jaw  projecting;  maxillary  extending  beyond  eye;  premaxillaries 
protractile;  an  elongate  bony  plate  between  the  branches  of  the  lower 
jaw;  villiform  teeth  on  jaws,  vomer,  palatines,  pterygoids,  tongue  and 
base  of  skull ;  eye  large,  with  an  adipose  eyelid ;  opercular  bones  with 
membranous  border ;  gill-membranes  separate,  free  from  the  isthmus ; 
branchiostegals  numerous,  29  to  35 ;  lateral  line  present ;  scales  large 
or  small,  wanting  on  head;  dorsal  fin  inserted  over  or  slightly  behind 
ventrals,  depressible  in  a  scaly  sheath;  no  adipose  fin;  caudal  fin 
forked ;  axil  of  pectorals  and  ventrals  each  with  a  long  accessory  scale. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA. 

a.  Pseudobranchise  wanting;  scales  large;  lateral  line  decurved; 
dorsal  fin  smaller  than  the  anal,  the  last  ray  produced  into  a 
long  filament.  Tarpon,  p.  173. 

aa.  Pseudobranchiae  large ;  scales  small ;  lateral  line  straight ;  dorsal 
fin  larger  than  the  anal,  the  last  ray  short.  Elops,  p.  175- 

50.  Genus  Tarpon  Jordan  &  Evermann. 

Tarpon  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896, 
409  (type  Megalops  atlanttcus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 
Body  oblong,  rather  strongly  compressed;  mouth  large,  very 
oblique,  the  lower  jaw  strongly  projecting ;  maxillary  broad,  extending 
beyond  eye;  pseudobranchias  wanting;  lateral  line  decurved;  scales 
rather  large,  not  forming  a  sheath  on  dorsal  or  anal;  axil  of  pectoral 
and  anal  with  a  moderately  large  accessory  scale ;  dorsal  fin  anteriorly 
elevated,  the  last  rays  of  fin  produced,  filamentous;  anal  fin  similar 
but  larger,  the  last  ray  not  notably  produced;  ventrals  inserted  well 
in  advance  of  dorsal. 


174   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

The  tarpons  reach  a  large  size,  no  pounds,  but  they  are  not  highly 
valued  as  food.  They  are  much  sought  after  by  anglers,  as  they  offer 
good  sport,  being  excellent  fighters.  A  single  species  is  known  from 
American  waters. 


115.  Tarpon  atlanticus  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Megalops  atlanticus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  XIX, 

1846,  398  (Guadeloupe;  San  Domingo;  Martinique;  Porto  Rico). 
Megalops  elongatus  Girard,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1858  (1859), 

224  (Long  Island). 
Megalops  thrissoides  Gunther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  VII,  1868,  472 

(Not  of  Bloch  &  Schneider). 
Tarpon  atlanticus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  409. 

Head  4.1  to  4.3 ;  depth  3.4  to  3.85 ;  D.  12  to  15 ;  A.  20  to  23 ;  scales 
42  to  47. 

Body  elongate,  rather  strongly  compressed;  the  ventral  outline 
much  more  strongly  curved  than  the  dorsal;  dorsal  profile  slightly 
concave  over  head;  head  moderate,  notably  compressed;  snout  short, 
broad,  4.8  to  5.1  in  head;  eye  3.9  to  4.65;  mouth  large,  oblique,  the 
jaws  strongly  curved;  the  lower  jaw  much  in  advance  of  the  upper; 
maxillary  reaching  far  beyond  eye,  1.5  to  1.7  in  head;  teeth  all  small, 
in  villiform  bands ;  gill-rakers  slender,  32  to  36  on  lower  limb  of  first 
arch;  lateral  line  decurved;  scales  rather  large,  cycloid,  wanting  on 
head,  present  on  base  of  anal  but  wanting  on  dorsal,  the  accessory 
scale  in  the  axil  of  pectoral  and  ventrals  less  than  half  the  length  of 
fin ;  dorsal  fin  short,  anteriorly  notably  elevated,  the  last  ray  filamentous, 
nearly  equal  to  depth  of  body;  caudal  fin  broadly  forked,  the  lobes 
equal;  anal  fin  similar  to  the  dorsal,  but  longer,  the  posterior  rays 
somewhat  produced  but  not  filamentous;  ventral  fins  moderate, 
inserted  well  in  advance  of  origin  of  dorsal;  pectorals  inserted  low, 
under  posterior  margin  of  opercle,  i.i  to  1.6  in  head. 

Color  uniform  bluish  silvery  above;  sides  and  lower  parts  bright 
silvery ;  pectoral  and  ventral  fins  pale,  the  other  fins  more  or  less  dusky. 

Five  specimens,  ranging  from  300  to  575  mm.  in  length,  were 
preserved.  Large  examples,  of  one  meter  or  more  in  length,  were 
occasionally  seen.  One  large  individual  one  day  leaped  from  the  water 
into  our  row  boat  while  rowing  through  Mindi  Cut.  It  is  used  as 
food  to  some  extent  and  may  be  seen  in  the  Colon  market  from  time 
to  time. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    175 

Known  from  Massachusetts  to  Brazil.     Our  specimens  are  from 
New  Gatun,  Mindi  and  Colon. 


51.  Genus  Elops  Linnaeus. 

Elops  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  XII,  1766,  518  (type  Elops  saurus 

Linnaeus). 
Mugilomorns  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1803,  398  (type  Mugi- 

lomorus  anna-car olina  Lacepede==E/0/>,y  saurus  Linnaeus). 
Trichonotus  Rafinesque,  Analyse  Nat.,  etc.,  1815,  88  (substitute  for 

Mugilomorus  Lacepede). 

Body  elongate;  opercular  bones  thin,  with  membranous  borders; 
pseudobranchiae  present,  large;  lateral  line  straight,  with  simple  tubes; 
scales  thin,  forming  a  very  high  sheath  on  dorsal  and  anal;  axil  of 
pectoral  and  ventral  each  with  an  excessively  long  accessory  scale; 
dorsal  fin  anteriorly  elevated,  the  last  rays  short;  anal  fin  similar  but 
somewhat  smaller.  Large  fishes,  widely  distributed.  The  young  flat, 
ribbon-shaped,  passing  through  a  metamorphosis  like  the  eels. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.       Gill-rakers  n  to  14.  saurus,  p.  175. 

aa.     Gill-rakers  18  to  20.  ,  affinis,  p.  176. 

116.  Elops  saurus  Linnaeus. 

Elops  saurus  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  XII,  1766,  518  (Carolina)  ;  Jor- 
dan &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  410  (Part, 
not  of  Linnaeus). 

Argentia  Carolina  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  XII,  1766,  519  (Carolina). 
Mugilomorus  anna-carolina  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1803,  398 

(South  Carolina). 

Elops  capensis  Mitchill,  Trans.  Lit.  &  Phil.  Soc.  N.  Y.,  I,  1815,  445 
(New  York). 

Head  3.4  to  4;  depth  5.2  to  6.5;  D.  22  to  25;  A.  15  to  17;  scales 
100  to  115. 

Body  elongate,  moderately  compressed ;  the  back  not  elevated ;  head 
long  and  low;  snout  broad,  tapering,  4.25  to  4.8  in  head;  eye  with  a 
heavy  adipose  lid  in  adult,  the  diameter  4  to  4.5  in  head ;  mouth  very 
large,  terminal,  the  lower  jaw  projecting  in  adult;  maxillary  reaching 
far  beyond  eye,  1.67  to  1.75  in  head;  teeth  all  small,  present  on  jaws, 
vomer,  palatines  and  tongue,  those  on  jaws  in  a  rather  narrow  band; 
the  vomerine  teeth  in  2  separate  triangular  patches;  gill-rakers  rather 


176   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

slender,  n  to  14  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  rather  small,  thin, 
with  scalloped  membranous  border,  wanting  on  head,  extending  on 
caudal  fin  and  forming  a  broad  sheath  on  base  of  dorsal  and  anal;  an 
excessively  large  scale  present  on  axil  of  both  the  pectoral  and  ventral ; 
dorsal  fin  inserted  somewhat  nearer  base  of  caudal  than  tip  of  snout, 
elevated  anteriorly,  the  posterior  rays  short,  completely  covered  by  a 
sheath  of  scales;  caudal  fin  deeply  forked,  the  lobes  equal;  anal  fin 
similar  to  dorsal  but  smaller,  its  origin  about  midway  between  base  of 
ventrals  and  base  of  caudal;  ventral  fins  inserted  under  origin  of 
dorsal,  equal  in  length  to  pectorals ;  pectoral  fins  inserted  on  lower  edge 
of  body  under  posterior  margin  of  opercle,  1.75  to  1.9  in  head. 

Color  uniform  bluish  above,  silvery  on  sides  and  below;  dorsal 
and  caudal  more  or  less  dusky,  the  other  fins  pale. 

Of  this  species  we  preserved  18  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from 
J63  to  550  mm.  This  fish  is  apparently  not  very  abundant,  and  it  is 
not  often  seen  in  the  market. 

Known  from  the  Atlantic  coast  of  America,  from  Massachusetts 
to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are  from  Toro  Point,  Mindi  Cut  and  Colon. 

117.  Elops  affinis  Regan. 

Elops  saurus  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  39 

(Panama  Bay;  not  of  Linnaeus). 
Elops  affinis  Regan,  Ann.  &  Mag.  Nat.  Hist.,  Ser.  8,  III,  1909,  38 

(Mazatlan;  Jalisco). 

This  species  appears  to  agree  with  E.  saurus  in  all  respects  except 
in  the  increased  number  of  gill-rakers,  there  being  constantly  18  to  20 
on  the  lower  limb  of  the  first  arch,  instead  of  n  to  14  as  in  E.  saurus. 
We,  however,  have  one  specimen,  U.  S.  N.  M.  No.  79467,  which  has 
caused  us  considerable  inconvenience.  This  specimen  is  labeled 
"Panama  Market,"  but  it  has  only  14  gill-rakers  on  the  lower  limb  of 
the  first  arch.  This  led  to  the  examination  of  a  very  large  series 
of  specimens  from  various  localities  on  both  coasts  of  America,  in  which 
we  found  the  difference  in  gill-rakers  from  the  opposite  coasts 
absolutely  constant,  and  we,  therefore,  have  been  obliged  to  conclude 
that  this  one  specimen  is  either  abnormal  or  wrongly  labeled.  Fish 
are  not  infrequently  shipped  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama  to  the 
Atlantic,  but  we  never  knew  the  reverse  to  be  true,  yet  it  may  be 
possible  that  this  is  occasionally  done. 

There  are  at  hand  6  specimens  of  the  larval  form  of  this  species, 
all  of  about  uniform  size,  being  33  mm.  long.  The  larvae  at  this 
stage  are  still  ribbon-shaped,  but  the  head  is  much  depressed  and  very 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    177 

small ;  the  mouth  is  terminal  or  nearly  so,  and  large,  the  gape  reaching 
under  middle  of  eye.  There  are  sharply  pointed  teeth  on  the  jaws. 
The  caudal  fin  is  well  developed  and  broadly  forked,  the  pectorals 
and  ventrals  are  entirely  wanting,  and  the  dorsal  and  anal  are  just 
becoming  differentiated,  but  still  appear  partly  as  mere  skin  folds. 
The  body  is  transparent,  the  only  pigment  spots  present  appearing  on 
the  caudal  fin. 

This  species,  in  addition  to  the  larvae  mentioned  above,  is  represented 
by  7  adult  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  300  to  620  mm.  This 
fish  is  not  infrequently  seen  in  the  market,  but  it  does  not  appear  to 
be  very  common.  One  of  our  specimens  was  taken  in  a  muddy  tide 
stream  6  miles  inland. 

Known  from  California  to  Ecuador.  Our  specimens  are  from 
Chame  Point,  Balboa,  Corozal  and  the  Panama  City  market. 

Family  XXVI.    Albulidae. 

THE  BONEFISH  OR  LADYFISH. 

Body  elongate,  little  compressed;  snout  conic,  projecting  much  in 
advance  of  mouth;  mouth  small,  horizontal;  both  jaws,  vomer  and 
palatines  with  bands  of  villiform  teeth;  broad  patches  of  short,  coarse, 
blunt  teeth  on  the  tongue-  and  base  of  skull ;  eye  moderate,  nearly 
entirely  covered  with  an  adipose  eyelid  in  adult;  pseudobranchiae 
present;  gill-membranes  separate,  free  from  the  isthmus;  gill-rakers 
tubercular;  branchiostegals  about  14;  a  fold  across  gill-membranes 
anteriorly,  with  free  crenate  edge  posteriorly ;  no  gular  plate ;  lateral 
line  present,  straight;  scales  moderate,  wanting  on  head;  dorsal  fin 
larger  than  anal,  inserted  in  advance  of  ventrals ;  no  adipose  fin ;  caudal 
broadly  forked. 

A  single  species  is  known.  The  young  pass  through  a  metamorpho- 
sis like  the  eels.  The  larvae  are  flat,  ribbon-shaped  and  transparent,  and 
are  said  to  become  reduced  in  length  from  80  mm.  to  about  50  mm., 
while  undergoing  the  change  from  the  larval  form  to  that  of  the  adult 
fish. 

52.  Genus  Albula  Gronow. 

Albula  Gronow,  Zoophyl.,  V,  1763,  102  (type  Esox  vulpes  Linnaeus)  ; 

Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801,  432  (type  Albula  conorhyn- 

chus  Bloch  &  Schneider=£<y0.*r  vulpes  Linnaeus). 
Butyrinus  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1803,  45   (type  Butyrinus 

banana  Lacepede=£jo:»r  vulpes  Linnaeus) . 


178   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Glossodus  Cuvier,   in  Agassiz,   Spix,   Pise.   Brasil.,    1829,   48    (type 
Glossodus  forskali  Agassiz). 
The  characters  of  the  genus  are  included  in  the  family  description. 

118.  Albula  vulpes  (Linnaeus). 

Esox  vulpes  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  313  (Bahamas,  based 

on  Vulpes  bahamensis  of  Catesby). 

Clupea  brasiliensis  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801,  427  (Brazil). 
Albula   conorhynchus   Bloch   &    Schneider,    Syst.    Ichth.,    1801,   432 

(Antilles). 
Amia  immaculata  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801,  451   (Central 

America) . 

Clupea  macrocephala  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1803,  426  (Mar- 
tinique) . 
Glossodus  forskali  Agassiz,  in  Spix,  Pise.  Brasil.,  1829,  49  (Bahia). 

Called  Engraulis  serious  and  Engraulis  bahiensis  on  plates  XXII 

and  XXIV. 
Albula  parrce  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  XIX,  1846, 

339  (Martinique;  Bahia;  Rio  de  Janeiro). 

Albula  rostrata  Gronow,  Cat.  Fish,  1854,  189  (American  Ocean,  etc.). 
Albula  vulpes  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  411;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  39 

(Panama). 

Head  3.4  to  3.7 ;  depth  4.15  to  4.9 ;  D.  16  or  17 ;  A.  8 ;  scales  65  to  75. 

Body  elongate,  moderately  compressed;  the  dorsal  profile  more 
strongly  convex  than  the  ventral ;  head  low,  more  or  less  quadrangular ; 
snout  long,  pointed,  projecting  far  beyond  mouth,  2.4  to  2.5  in  head; 
eye  with  a  very  large,  heavy,  adipose  eyelid  in  adult,  its  size  moderate, 
4  to  5.15  in  head;  mouth  inferior,  horizontal;  maxillary  failing  to 
reach  eye,  2.7  to  3  in  head;  teeth  on  jaws,  vomer  and  palatines  in 
villiform  bands;  the  pterygoids,  base  of  skull  and  tongue  with  short, 
blunt  teeth;  gill-rakers  undeveloped,  appearing  as  rough  tubercles; 
scales  moderate,  with  membranous  border,  wanting  on  head,  densely 
covering  all  the  fins ;  dorsal  fin  anteriorly  elevated,  the  posterior  margin 
moderately  concave;  caudal  fin  deeply  forked,  the  lobes  equal;  anal  fin 
very  small,  similar  in  shape  to  dorsal;  ventral  fins  moderate,  inserted 
under  last  rays  of  dorsal ;  pectoral  fins  moderate,  inserted  under  posterior 
margin  of  opercle,  1.7  to  2  in  head. 

Color  bluish  above;  sides  and  below  bright  silvery;  faint  dark 
lines  between  the  rows  of  scales;  the  margins  of  dorsal  and  caudal 
dusky,  all  the  fins  otherwise  pale. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    179 

The  larval  form  was  taken  on  both  coasts.  Specimens  at  hand 
range  in  length  from  40  to  60  mm.,  the  smallest  ones  being  most  nearly 
like  the  adult  form,  but  they  are  posteriorly,  at  least,  still  much  com- 
pressed. The  head  has  assumed  many  of  the  adult  characters,  the  snout 
projects  notably  beyond  the  mouth,  the  mouth  is  larger  than  in  adult, 
the  maxillary  reaching  a  little  beyond  anterior  margin  of  eye.  All  the 
fins  have  become  differentiated  in  the  specimens  at  hand,  but  a 
prominent  dermal  fold  remains  in  front  of  anal  and  behind  pectorals. 
The  caudal  fin  is  well  developed  and  is  broadly  forked.  The  body  at 
this  stage  is  still  void  of  pigment.  The  larvae  of  this  species  may  be 
distinguished  from  those  of  Elops  by  the  larger  and  deeper  head, 
projecting  snout,  and  smaller  mouth. 

This  species  is  represented  by  18  adult  specimens,  ranging  in  length 
from  160  to  390  mm.,  and  19  larvae.  This  fish  is  apparently  not 
abundant  on  either  coast  of  Panama,  as  it  was  not  often  seen.  It  is 
used  as  food  to  a  limited  extent. 

A  widely  distributed  species,  known  from  all  tropical  seas.  Our 
Pacific  coast  specimens  are  from  Balboa,  and  the  Atlantic  specimens 
are  from  Colon. 


Family  XXVII.    Clupeidze. 

THE  HERRINGS. 

Body  oblong  or  elongate,  more  or  less  compressed;  belly  rounded 
or  compressed,  when  compressed  often  armed  with  bony  serra- 
tures;  head  naked,  usually  compressed;  mouth  rather  large,  terminal; 
the  maxillaries  each  of  three  pieces,  forming  the  lateral  margin  of  upper 
jaw;  premaxillaries  not  protractile;  teeth  usually  small,  often  feeble 
or  wanting,  variously  arranged;  adipose  eyelid  present  or  absent; 
gill-rakers  long  and  slender;  gill-membranes  not  connected,  free  from 
the  isthmus;  gills  4,  a  slit  behind  the  fourth;  no  gular  plate; 
branchiostegals  usually  few,  6  to  15;  pseudobranchiae  present;  no 
lateral  line ;  scales  cycloid  or  pectinate ;  dorsal  fin  median  or  somewhat 
posterior,  rarely  wanting;  no  adipose  fin;  ventrals,  if  present,  moderate 
or  small ;  anal  usually  rather  long ;  caudal  forked.  Vertebrae  40  to  56. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA. 

a.  Anal  fin  short,  with  fewer  than  30  rays;  dorsal  inserted  over 
x  or  in  advance  of  base  of  ventrals. 

b.  The  last  ray  of  dorsal  normal,  not  produced  into  a  long  filament. 


180   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

c.  Belly  more  or  less  rounded;  ventral  scutes  weak;  gill-rakers 
very  numerous,  about  65  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch. 

Clupanodon,  p.  180. 

cc.     Belly  strongly  compressed;  ventral  scutes  strong;  gill-rakers 
less  numerous,  fewer  than  50  on  the  lower  limb  of  first  arch. 

Sardinella,  p.  181. 
bb.     The  last  ray  of  dorsal  produced  into  a  long  filament. 

Opisthonewia,  p.  186. 

aa.    Anal  fin  long,  with  more  than  30  rays ;  dorsal  inserted  back  of 
base  of  ventrals  when  latter  are  present. 

d.  Ventral  fins  present.  Ilisha,  p.  189. 
dd.     Ventral  fins  wanting. 

e.  Maxillary  normal,  not  produced,  and  not  extending  beyond 
eye.  Opisthopterus,  p.  191. 

ee.     Maxillary  greatly  produced  in  adult,  extending  beyond  eye. 

Odontognathus,  p.  193. 

53.  Genus  Clupanodon  Lacepede. 

Clupanodon  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1803,  468  (type  Clupea 

thrissa  Linnseus). 

Thrissa  Refinesque,  Analyse  Nat.,  etc.,  1815,  88  (substitute  for  Clupano- 
don, regarded  as  an  objectionable  name). 

Sardinia  Poey,  Memorias,  II,   1861,  311    (type  Sardinia  pseudo-his- 
panica  Poey). 

Body  elongate;  ventral  serratures  weak;  adipose  eyelid  present; 
teeth  in  the  jaws  weak;  vomer  toothless;  scales  thin,  deciduous;  gill- 
rakers  long  and  slender,  very  numerous. 

119.  Clupanodon  pseudohispanicus  (Poey). 

Sardinia  pseudo-hispanica  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1861,  311  (Cuba). 

Clupea  pseudohispanica  Kendall  &  Smith,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XIV, 

1894  (1895),  17. 
Clupanodon  pseudohispanicus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  423. 

Head  3.5  to  4.3;  depth  3.85  to  4.45;  D.  16  or  17;  A.  16  to  18; 
scales  45  to  50. 

Body  elongate,  compressed,  the  belly  not  sharply  compressed,  its 
scutes  small,  18  or  19  -f-  13  to  16;  head  usually  about  equal  to  depth; 
snout  rather  long,  equal  to  or  slightly  longer  than  eye,  its  length 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    181 

3.4  to  3.8  in  head ;  eye  3.7  to  4.3 ;  mouth  small,  not  very  oblique ;  the 
lower  jaw  scarcely  in  advance  of  the  upper;  maxillary  short,  scarcely 
reaching  anterior  margin  of  pupil,  2.5  to  2.85  in  head;  teeth  small, 
present  on  both  jaws  and  tongue;  gill-rakers   numerous,   long  and 
slender,  about  65  on  the  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  of  moderate 
size,  thin,  usually  many  of  them  falling  away  in  preserved  specimens ; 
dorsal  variable  in  its  position,  but  always  notably  nearer  tip  of  snout 
than  base  of  caudal;  anal  short  and  low,  its  base  shorter  than  head; 
ventrals  usually  inserted  under  about  the  middle  of  base  of  dorsal, 
occasionally  under  posterior  fourth  of  base  of  dorsal ;  pectorals  short, 

1.5  to  1.7  in  head. 

Color  bluish  above;  sides  golden  and  silvery;  peritoneum  dusky; 
fins  unmarked. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us,  and  it  is  not  recorded  from 
south  of  the  West  Indies.  Recently,  however,  4  specimens  from 
Margarita  Island,  Pompater,  Venezuela,  were  submitted  to  us  by  the 
Bureau  of  Fisheries  for  identification.  Although  these  four  examples 
were  in  poor  condition,  they  were  pretty  certainly  identified  as  this 
species.  It  is,  therefore,  likely  to  occur  on  the  Atlantic  coast  of  Panama. 
The  above  description  is  based  on  numerous  specimens  from  Woods 
Hole,  Massachusetts,  Cuba  and  Jamaica. 

With  this  new  record  the  range  extends  from  Cape  Cod  to  the  Coast 
of  Venezuela. 

54.  Genus  Sardinella  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes. 

Sardinella  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  XX,  1847,  261 

(type  Sardinella  aurita  Valenciennes). 

Body  compressed;  snout  emarginate,  the  lower  jaw  projecting; 
ventral  scutes  25  to  35  in  number ;  teeth  weak ;  scales  large  and  usually 
adherent,  often  with  striae;  gill-rakers  long  and  rather  numerous;  the 
dorsal  inserted  in  advance  of  ventrals;  the  vertebras  in  reduced  num- 
ber, about  40  to  44. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.       Sides  with  a  very  distinct  silvery  lateral  band;  median  line 
of  back  with  a  dark  streak;  palatines  and  pterygoids  toothless. 

stolifera,  p.   182. 

aa.  Sides  without  a  silvery  lateral  band ;  no  dark  streak  on  median 
line  of  back;  palatine  and  pterygoids  with  teeth.  (Last  char- 
acter not  verified  for  anchovia.) 


182    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

b.  Body  very  elongate,  the  depth  4.5  in  length ;  head  4.5 ;  a  black 
opercular  spot  present.  anchovia,p.  183. 

bb.  Body  deep,  the  depth  3.0  to  3.8  in  length;  head  3.0  to  3.9;  no 
black  opercular  spot  present. 

c.  Scales  little  adherent,  their  edges  mostly  smooth,  those  on  sides 
with  vertical  striae;  gill-rakers  rather  few,  about  25  on  lower 
limb  of  first  arch;  dorsal  not  much  in  advance  of  ventrals, 
inserted  at  a  point  notably  nearer  vent  than  tip  of  snout;  no 
humeral  spot.  sardina,  p.  183. 

cc.  Scales  firm,  their  edges  mostly  crenate,  at  least  of  those  on 
back,  without  evident  vertical  striae;  gill-rakers  numerous, 
about  32  on  the  lower  limb  of  first  arch ;  dorsal  much  in  advance 
of  ventrals,  inserted  at  a  point  about  midway  between  tip  of 
snout  and  vent ;  a  humeral  spot  usually  present. 

d.  Scales  on  back  with  strongly  developed  horizontal  striae,  and 
crenate  edges,  those  on  sides  nearly  smooth. 

macrophthalmus,  p.  184. 

dd.  Scales  on  back  without  evident  striae,  the  edges  of  scales  both 
on  back  and  sides  crenate.  thrissina,  p.  185. 

120.  Sardinella  stolifera  (Jordan  &  Gilbert) . 

Clupea  stolifera  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1881,  339 

(Mazatlan) ;  Boulenger,  Boll.  Mus.  Zool.  Anat.  Torino,  XIV,  No. 

335 »  l899>  i  (Guayaquil). 
Sardinella  stolifera  Jordan   &   Evermann,    Bull.   U.    S.   Nat.   Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  431 ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  39  (Panama  Bay). 

Head  3.95  to  4.6;  depth  3.2  to  3.5 ;  D.  15  to  18;  A.  15  to  18;  scales 
38  to  41. 

Body  rather  deep,  much  compressed;  the  belly  strongly  arched, 
armed  with  16  or  17  -f-  12  to  14  scutes;  head  short  and  deep,  almost 
as  deep  as  long;  eye  rather  large,  with  an  adipose  eyelid,  2.65  to  3  in 
head;  snout  short,  emarginate,  3.8  to  4.2  in  head;  mouth  moderate, 
the  lower  jaw  projecting;  the  maxillary  rather  wide,  rounded  poster- 
iorly, reaching  slightly  past  the  anterior  margin  of  eye,  2.2  to  2.4  in 
head ;  a  few  very  small  teeth  present  on  both  jaws,  and  a  longitudinal 
patch  on  median  line  of  tongue ;  vomer,  palatines,  and  pterygoids  tooth- 
less ;  gill-rakers  long  and  slender,  about  32  on  the  lower  limb  of  the  first 
arch;  pseudobranchiae  strongly  developed;  scales  rather  thin,  more  or 
less  deciduous,  without  evident  striae,  their  edges  somewhat  ragged; 
dorsal  and  anal  with  a  scaly  sheath;  the  dorsal  inserted  very  slightly 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    183 

in  advance  of  the  base  of  ventrals,  notably  nearer  vent  than  tip  of 
snout;  anal  rather  low;  pectorals  reaching  about  three-fourths  the  dis- 
tance to  base  of  ventrals,  1.15  to  1.25  in  head. 

Color  greenish  above ;  sides  pale  silvery.  A  very  strongly  defined 
silver  lateral  band  present,  the  width  of  which  is  equal  to  the  length  of 
snout ;  median  line  of  back  with  a  dark  streak ;  scales  above  lateral  band 
with  dusky  punctulations ;  tip  of  snout  and  lower  jaw  dusky;  tips  of 
caudal  lobes  black. 

This  species  is  represented  by  33  specimens,  ranging  from  85  to 
1 30  mm.  in  length,  taken  in  tide  streams  and  along  a  sandy  beach. 
We  have  for  comparison  numerous  type  specimens  from  Mazatlan. 

Known  from  the  Gulf  of  California  to  Guayaquil.  Our  specimens 
are  from  Corozal  and  Balboa. 

121.  Sardinella  anchovia  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes. 

Sardinella  anchovia  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  XX, 

1847,  269  (Rio  Janeiro;  Martinique);  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull. 

U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  429. 
Clupea  anchovia  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  VII,  1868,  421. 

Head  about  4.5 ;  depth  4.5 ;  D.  16;  A.  16. 

Body  elongate  and  slender;  suborbital  bones  finely  venulose;  teeth 
on  tongue  and  palatines,  none  on  vomer;  jaws  mostly  toothless;  scales 
smooth,  large,  striated;  dorsal  nearer  snout  than  base  of  caudal;  the 
ventrals  inserted  below  its  middle. 

A  black  spot  on  opercle  above. 

A  little  known  species.  Not  seen  by  us.  Recorded  from  Mar- 
tinique and  Rio  Janeiro,  Brazil. 

122.  Sardinella  sardina  (Poey). 

Harengula  sordino.  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1861,  310  (Cuba). 

Harengula  callolepis  Goode,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1879,  152  (Ber- 
muda) . 

Harengula  clupeola  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1889,  646  (not  of 
Cuvier  &  Valenciennes) . 

Sardinella  sardina  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 
1896,  430,  PI.  LXXIII,  fig.  193. 
Head  3.0  to  3.55;  depth  3.0  to  3.4;  D.  17  or  18;  A.  17  to  19; 

scales  37  to  40. 

Body  rather  deep,  compressed;  the  ventral  outline  not  as  strongly 

arched  as  in  related  species;  belly  moderately  compressed,  forming  a 

keel  which  is  armed  with  i6ori7-j-IIor12  scutes;  head  somewhat 


184    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

elongate,  notably  longer  than  deep ;  eye  large,  with  an  adipose  eyelid 
moderately  developed,  2.6  to  3.05  in  head;  snout  shorter  than  eye,  3.4 
to  4  in  head;  mouth  rather  large,  the  lower  jaw  projecting;  the 
maxillary  moderately  wide,  rounded  posteriorly,  usually  not  quite 
reaching  middle  of  eye,  2.0  to  2.2  in  head ;  teeth  present  on  jaws, 
tongue,  palatines,  and  pterygoids;  gill-rakers  long  and  slender,  about 
25  present  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch ;  pseudobranchise  well  developed ; 
scales  rather  thin,  more  of  less  deciduous,  those  on  back  without 
strongly  developed  longitudinal  striae,  those  on  sides  with  vertical 
striae,  their  edges  almost  smooth;  dorsal  and  anal  with  a  scaly  sheath; 
the  dorsal  inserted  in  advance  of  the  ventrals,  notably  nearer  vent 
than  tip  of  snout;  the  anal  very  low;  pectorals  not  reaching  base  of 
ventrals,  1.4  to  1.5  in  head. 

Color  bluish  above,  sides  silvery;  snout  and  lower  jaw  with  dusky 
points;  tips  of  dorsal  and  caudal  lobes  dusky;  no  humeral  spot,  and 
no  lateral  band. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us  at  Panama.  The  above  descrip- 
tion is  based  on  several  specimens  from  Cuba  and  Cozumel. 

Known  from  Florida  and  the  West  Indies.  Recently  doubtfully 
recorded  from  Natal,  Brazil,  by  Prof.  Starks  (Leland  Stanford  Jr. 
Univ.  Pub.,  Univ.  Ser.,  1913,  p.  8.). 

123.  Sardinella  macrophthalmus  (Ranzani). 

Clupea  macro phthalma  Ranzani,  Nov.  Comment.  Ac.  Sci.  Inst.  Bonon., 

V,  1842,  320  (Brazil). 
Harengula  maculosa  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  XX, 

1847,  292  (Martinique). 
Harengula  humeralis  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  XX, 

1847,  293  (Rio  Janeiro;  Bahia;  Guadeloupe;  San  Domingo). 
Alausa  striata  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  XX,   1847, 

429  (Guadeloupe;  Bahia). 

Harengula  jaguana  Poey,  Repertorio,  I,  1866,  190  (Jagua,  Cuba). 
Clupea   humeralis   Giinther,    Cat.    Fish.    Brit.    Mus.,   VII,    1868,   422 

(Pensacola,  Florida). 

Harengula  pensacola  Goode  &  Bean,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1879,  152. 
Harengula  macro  phthalma  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1889,  646. 
Harengula  arcuata  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1889,  646. 
Sardinella  macrophthalmus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  430- 
Sardinella  humeralis  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.   S.   Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  431- 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    185 

Head  3.3  to  3.9;  depth  2.7  to  3.8;  D.  16  or  17;  A.  16  to  18;  scales 
38  to  40. 

Body  rather  deep,  variable;  the  ventral  outline  strongly  curved; 
belly  compressed  into  a  keel  which  is  armed  with  15  to  18  -f-  12  or  13 
scutes ;  head  deep,  compressed ;  snout  short,  3.35  to  4.5  in  head ;  mouth 
moderate;  the  lower  jaw  projecting;  the  maxillary  broadly  rounded 
posteriorly,  reaching  anterior  margin  of  pupil  to  middle  of  eye;  eye 
large,  with  a  well  developed  adipose  eyelid,  2.6  to  3  in  head;  teeth 
present  on  both  jaws,  tongue,  palatines,  and  pterygoids;  gill-rakers 
rather  long  and  slender,  about  32  present  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch; 
pseudobranchias  strongly  developed ;  scales  firm,  adherent,  those  on  the 
back  with  crenate  edges  and  very  evident  longitudinal  striae,  those 
on  sides  without  evident  striations  (Plate  IX,  fig.  a.)  ;  dorsal  and  anal 
with  a  scaly  sheath;  the  dorsal  inserted  in  advance  of  ventrals,  about 
midway  between  tip  of  snout  and  vent ;  the  anal  very  low ;  pectorals  not 
nearly  reaching  base  of  ventrals,  1.2  to  1.45  in  head. 

Color  bluish  black  above;  sides  silvery;  a  humeral  spot  usually 
present;  sides  with  a  dark  streak,  bounding  the  dark  of  the  back;  a 
paler  streak  above  this  one;  these  streaks  usually  most  evident  in 
young,  frequently  wholly  wanting  in  adult;  snout  with  dusky  points. 

Of  this  species  we  have  over  300  specimens,  ranging  from  40  to 
135  mm.  in  length.  Besides  these  we  have  examined  specimens  (vari- 
ously labelled  macro phthalmus,  humeralis,  or  pensacolce)  from  Florida, 
Texas,  Bermuda,  Porto  Rico,  San  Domingo,  and  Puerto  Morelos.  While 
there  is  considerable  variation  among  individuals,  especially  with  re- 
spect to  depth  of  body,  we  find  no  constant  differences.  Therefore 
several  nominal  species  are  here  included.  That  the  examples  from 
the  more  northern  localities  are  deeper  than  the  others,  as  has  been 
said,  cannot  be  verified.  Some  specimens  from  Porto  Bello  are  quite 
as  deep  as  some  Florida  specimens. 

Known  from  Florida  southward  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are 
from  Toro  Point,  Colon,  and  Porto  Bello. 

124.  Sardinella  thrissina  (Jordan  &  Gilbert) . 

Clupea  thrissina  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882,  353 

(Cape  San  Lucas). 
Sardinella   thrissina  Jordan   &   Evermann,   Bull.   U.    S.    Nat.    Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  430;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool., 

XXXV,  1912,  80  (Toboguilla  Island,  Panama  Bay). 

Head  3.5  to  3.8;  depth  2.8  to  3.5;  D.  16  or  17;  A.  15  to  17;  scales 
37  to  42. 


1 86    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Body  deep,  compressed;  the  ventral  outline  strongly  curved;  the 
belly  compressed  into  a  keel  which  is  armed  with  17  -f-  12  to  14 
scutes;  head  deep,  compressed,  snout  shorter  than  eye,  3.8  to  5  *n 
head;  mouth  moderate;  lower  jaw;  projecting;  maxillaryv  broadly 
rounded  posteriorly,  reaching  to  or  slightly  past  middle  of  eye;  eye 
rather  large,  2.7  to  3.3  in  head,  adults  with  a  well  developed  adipose 
eyelid;  teeth  present  on  both  jaws,  tongue,  palatines,  and  pterygoids; 
gill-rakers  long  and  slender,  about  31  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch; 
pseudobranchise  greatly  developed;  scales  firm,  adherent,  without 
striae  extending  over  the  scales,  the  edges  crenate  (Plate  IX,  fig.  b.)  ; 
dorsal  and  anal  with  scaly  sheath ;  the  dorsal  inserted  in  advance  of  the 
ventrals,  about  midway  between  tip  of  snout  and  vent;  the  anal  very 
low;  pectorals  reaching  two-thirds  the  distance  to  base  of  ventrals, 
1.25  to  1.45  in  head. 

Color  bluish  black  above;  sides  silvery;  an  inconspicuous  humeral 
spot  usually  present;  sides  with  a  dark  streak,  bounding  the  dark  on 
the  back;  a  paler  streak  above  this  one;  these  streaks  frequently  not 
very  evident ;  snout  with  dusky  points. 

This  species  is  represented  in  the  present  collection  by  13  specimens, 
ranging  from  75  to  90  mm.  in  length.  We  have  had  for  comparison 
the  types,  and  some  small  specimens  collected  by  the  Albatross  at 
Acapulco  and  Taboguilla  Island,  Panama  Bay.  6\  thrissina  is  very 
closely  related  to  the  Atlantic  form,  S.  macrophthalmus,  from  which  we 
are  able  to  distinguish  it  only  by  a  difference  in  the  scales.  In  5". 
thrissina  all  of  the  scales  have  crenate  edges,  but  there  are  no  evident 
striations  on  the  body  of  the  scales.  In  5".  macro phthalmus  only  the 
scales  on  the  back  have  notably  crenate  edges,  and  the  body  of  the 
scales  bears  evident  striations. 

Known  from  the  Gulf  of  California  southward  to  Panama  Bay. 
Our  specimens  are  from  Taboga  Island. 

55.  Genus  Opisthonema  Gill. 

Opisthonema  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1861,  37  (type  Clupanodon 
thrissa  Lacepede,  not  of  Osbeck=Megalops  oglina  Le  Sueur). 
Differing  from  Sardinella  only  in  having  the  last  ray  of  the  dorsal 

produced  in  a  long  filament. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Dorsal  with  17  to  20  rays;  anal  with  22  to  25;  pectorals  rather 
long,  1.2  to  1.3  in  length  of  head;  rows  of  scales  with  more 
or  less  distinct  streaks.  oglinum,  p.  187. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   187 

aa.  Dorsal  with  15  to  17  rays;  anal  with  19  to  22;  pectorals 
shorter,  1.4  to  1.6  in  length  of  head;  rows  of  scales  with  faint 
streaks  or  none.  libertate,  p.  188. 


125.  Opisthonema  oglinum  (Le  Sueur). 

Clupea   thrissa   Broussonet,    Ichthyologia,    fasc.    I,    1782,    (Carolina; 

Jamaica.     Not  of   Osbeck,   1757,  which  is  a   Chinese   species  of 

Dorosoma) . 
Megalops  oglina  Le  Sueur,  Journ.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  I,  1817,  359 

(Newport,  Rhode  Island). 
Megalops  notata  Le  Sueur,  Jour.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  I,  1817,  361 

(Guadeloupe). 
Chatcessus  signifcr  De  Kay,  Fauna  N.  Y.,  Fishes,  1842,  264,  PI.  XLI, 

fig.  132  (New  York). 
Chatoessus  eumorphus  Gosse,  Naturalist's  Sojourn  in  Jamaica,  1851, 

290  (Jamaica). 

Opisthonemus  thrissa  Poey,  Anal.  Soc.  Espafi.  Hist.  Nat.,  X,  1881,  343. 
Opisthonema  oglinum  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  432. 

Head  3.5  to  4.3 ;  depth  2.7  to  3.75 ;  D.  17  to  20;  A.  22  to  25 ;  scales 
47  to  49- 

Body  deep,  compressed;  the  ventral  outline  much  more  convex 
than  the  dorsal;  belly  compressed  into  a  keel,  armed  with  17  to  19  -f- 
12  to  15  scutes;  head  short  and  deep;  the  snout  not  much  shorter 
than  the  eye,  its  length  3.6  to  4.1  in  head ;  eye  3.1  to  3.8 ;  adipose  eyelids 
well  developed;  mouth  moderate,  terminal,  the  lower  jaw  slightly 
projecting;  the  maxillary  wide  and  round  posteriorly,  reaching  anterior 
margin  of  pupil ;  teeth  absent  on  jaws,  a  row  of  minute  ones  present 
on  median  line  of  tongue;  gill-rakers  numerous,  long  and  slender; 
pseudobranchiae  strongly  developed;  scales  rather  large  and  firm,  their 
sides  more  or  less  crenate ;  dorsal  fin  inserted  in  advance  of  ventrals, 
much  nearer  the  snout  than  base  of  caudal,  the  last  ray  much  pro- 
duced, about  half  the  length  of  body  without  head;  anal  rather  long, 
composed  of  very  short  rays ;  pectorals  not  reaching  base  of  the  small 
ventrals,  1.2  to  1.3  in  head. 

Color  bluish  above,  in  life  bluish  green ;  sides  silvery ;  rows  of  scales 
with  more  or  less  distinct  streaks,  these  most  prominent  above ;  young 
often  with  a  row  of  blue  spots  back  of  the  humeral  spot,  between  the 
blue  of  back  and  the  silvery  on  sides ;  margin  of  dorsal,  dorsal  filament, 
and  lobes  of  caudal  dusky ;  other  fins  unmarked. 


i88    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Of  this  species  61  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  45  to  215  mm., 
were  preserved. 

Known  from  the  middle  Atlantic  States  southward  to  Brazil;  occa- 
sionally straying  northward  to  Massachusetts.  Our  specimens  are  from 
Mindi  Cut;  Colon  Market;  Fox  Bay,  Colon;  and  Porto  Bello. 

126.  Opisthonema  liber tate  (Giinther). 

Meletta  liber tatis  Giinther,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1866,  603  (Liber- 
tad,  Central  America). 

Clupea  libertatis  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  VII,  1868,  433. 
Opisthonema  libertate  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882, 
622;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  40  (Pan- 
ama Bay). 

Head  3.4  to  4.1 ;  depth  2.9  to  3.4;  D.  15  to  17;  A.  19  to  22;  scales 
46  to  52. 

Body  deep,  compressed ;  the  ventral  outline  much  more  rounded 
than  the  dorsal;  belly  compressed,  forming  a  keel,  armed  with  16  to 
19  -j-  14  to  16  scutes;  head  short  and  deep;  the  snout  slightly  shorter 
than  the  eye,  its  length  3.85  to  4.25  in  head;  eye  3.45  to  3.7;  adipose 
eyelids  well  developed;  mouth  moderate,  terminal;  the  lower  jaw 
slightly  projecting;  maxillary  broad,  rounded  posteriorly,  reaching 
to  about  middle  of  eye;  no  teeth  on  the  jaws,  a  row  of  minute  ones 
on  median  line  of  tongue;  gill-rakers  very  numerous,  long  and  slender; 
pseudobranchise  strongly  developed ;  scales  rather  large  and  firm,  their 
edges  slightly  crenate ;  the  dorsal  inserted  in  advance  of  the  ventrals, 
much  nearer  the  snout  than  base  of  caudal,  the  last  ray  much  produced, 
reaching  nearly  or  quite  to  base  of  caudal,  more  than  half  the  length 
of  body  without  head;  anal  moderate,  composed  of  very  short  rays; 
pectorals  not  nearly  reaching  base  of  ventrals,  1.4  to  1.6  in  head. 

Color  bluish  above,  sides  silvery;  rows  of  scales  with  very  faint 
lines  or  none;  a  humeral  spot  usually  present,  wholly  wanting  in  our 
largest  specimen;  a  row  of  small  blue  spots  present  back  of  humeral 
spot  between  the  blue  of  back  and  silvery  of  sides  in  young  individuals 
and  occasionally  in  older  ones;  dorsal  and  caudal  with  more  or  less 
dusky;  other  fins  unmarked. 

This  species,  although  said  to  be  abundant  at  Panama  (Gilbert  & 
Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  p.  40),  appeared  to  be  rather 
rare  during  our  visits.  It  is  represented  by  12  specimens,  ranging 
from  60  to  275  mm.  in  length.  It  is  very  closely  related  to  O.  oglinum, 
the  Atlantic  form,  but  it  has  fewer  rays  in  the  dorsal  and  anal,  slightly 
shorter  pectoral  fins,  and  there  is  a  slight  difference  in  color. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   i8Q 

Known  from  the  Pacific  coasts  of  Mexico  and  Central  America. 
Our  specimens  are  from  Chame  Point,  Taboga  Island,  and  Panama 
Market. 

56.  Genus  Ilisha  Gray. 

Platygaster  Swainson,  Nat.  Hist.  &  Class.  Fish.,  II,  1839,  294  (type 

Clupea  africana  Bloch,  name  preoccupied). 
Ilisha  (Gray)  Richardson,  Ichthyol.  China,  in  Kept.  Brit.  Assoc.,  1845 

(1846),  306  (type  Ilisha  abnormis  Gray=Alosa  elongata  Bennett). 
Pellona  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  XX,  1847,  300, 

(type    Pellona    orbignyana    Va.\tnciennes=Pristigaster    flavipinnis 

Valenciennes). 

Body  much  compressed,  the  thorax  and  abdomen  armed  with  strong 
scutes ;  lower  jaw  prominent ;  mouth  moderate ;  small  teeth  present  on 
both  jaws,  tongue,  palatines  and  pterygoids,  none  on  vomer;  scales 
moderate,  more  or  less  deciduous;  anal  fin  very  long;  ventral  fins 
present,  small,  inserted  in  advance  of  the  small  dorsal ;  caudal  deeply 
forked. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Body  deep,  the   depth  2.5   to   3.4  in   length;  ventral   outline 
strongly  arched ;  the  insertion  of  the  dorsal  in  advance  of  anal. 

b.  Anal  with  46  to  50  rays;  ventral  scutes  23  to  25  -f-  12  to  14; 
scales  56  to  61.  fiirthii,  p.  189. 

bb.  Anal  with  38  to  41  rays;  ventral  scutes  18  to  21  -}-  5  to  7; 
scales  36  to  39.  argentata  sp.  nov.,  p.  190. 

aa.  Body  very  elongate,  the  depth  about  4.4  in  length;  ventral 
outline  only  slightly  convex ;  the  insertion  of  dorsal  behind  origin 
of  anal.  caribbcea  sp.  nov.,  p.  191. 

127.  Ilisha  fiirthii  (Steindachner). 

Pellona   fiirthii   Steindachner,    (Sitzb.   k.   Ak.   Wiss.   Wien,   LXIX) 

Ichth.  Beitr.,  I,  1874,  14  (Panama). 
Pellona  panamensis  Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wein,  LXIX) 

Ichth.  Beitr.,  I,  1874,  15  (Panama). 
Ilisha  furthi  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.   S.   Nat.   Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  436;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  40 

(Panama  Bay). 

Head  3.85  to  4.2 ;  depth  2.7  to  3.4;  D.  15  to  17;  A.  46  to  50;  scales 
56  to  61. 

Body  elongate,  much  compressed;  upper  profile  of  head  concave; 
ventral  outline  strongly  convex;  ventral  scutes  23  to  25  -f-  I2  to  J4J 


190    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

snout  shorter  than  eye,  its  length  3.6  to  3.85  in  head;  eye  3  to  3.4; 
mouth  oblique,  the  lower  jaw  strongly  projecting;  maxillary  broad, 
rounded  posteriorly,  its  lower  margin  serrate,  not  quite  reaching  middle 
of  eye,  1.8  to  1.95  in  head;  a  row  of  minute  teeth  present  in  each  jaw, 
a  band  on  median  line  of  tongue,  palatines  and  pterygoids;  vomer 
toothless;  gill-rakers  rather  short  and  strong,  20  to  24  present  on 
lower  limb  of  first  arch ;  scales  large  and  thin,  more  or  less  deciduous ; 
dorsal  and  anal  with  scales  at  base;  the  dorsal  in  advance  of  anal,  its 
last  ray  over  origin  of  anal,  inserted  slightly  nearer  tip  of  snout  than 
base  of  caudal;  anal  long  and  low,  its  base  equal  to  about  half  the 
length  of  body  without  head ;  pectorals  reaching  past  base  of  ventrals, 
1.2  to  1.4  in  head. 

Color  bluish  gray  above;  sides  silvery;  snout  dusky,  upper  portion 
of  head  with  dusky  points ;  all  the  fins  except  the  ventrals  with  more 
or  less  dusky,  at  least  along  their  margins. 

This  species  is  represented  by  15  specimens,  ranging  from  280  to 
385  mm.  in  total  length.  A  common  food  fish,  but  of  inferior  quality. 

Known  from  Panama  southward  to  Peru.  Our  specimens  are  from 
brackish  water  at  Corozal  and  from  the  Panama  market. 

128.  Ilisha  argentata  sp.  nov.    (Plate  IX.) 

Type  No.  81749,  U.  S.  N.  M. ;  length  155  mm. ;  Fox  Bay,  Colon, 
Panama. 

Head  3.4  to  4.0;  depth  2.55  to  2.75;  D.  14  or  15;  A.  38  to  41; 
scales  36  to  39. 

Body  rather  short  and  deep,  much  compressed;  the  dorsal  profile 
from  snout  to  origin  of  dorsal  straight ;  ventral  outline  very  strongly 
arched,  scutes  18  to  21  +  5  to  7;  snout  shorter  than  eye,  slightly 
emarginate,  its  length  3.6  to  4.5  in  head;  eye  2.25  to  2.9;  mouth  oblique, 
the  lower  jaw  projecting;  maxillary  wide  posteriorly,  its  lower  margin 
serrate,  reaching  middle  of  eye,  1.75  to  1.9  in  head;  teeth  present  on 
both  jaws,  tongue,  palatines  and  pterygoids,  none  on  vomer;  gill- 
rakers  moderate,  21  to  23  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  thin, 
deciduous,  many  of  them  lost  from  specimens  at  hand ;  dorsal  inserted 
in  advance  of  anal,  about  midway  between  tip  of  lower  jaw  and  base 
of  caudal,  its  last  ray  over  about  the  fourth  ray  of  anal;  anal  long 
and  rather  low,  equal  to  its  distance  from  posterior  margin  of  opercle, 
more  than  half  the  length  of  body  without  head;  caudal  forked,  the 
lobes  about  equal  in  length,  not  produced  in  a  filament;  ventrals  shorter 
than  eye;  pectorals  not  reaching  base  of  ventrals,  1.3  to  1.4  in  head. 

Color  bluish  gray  above;  sides  silvery;  snout  and  back  with  dark 


<    E 
b    E 


2    S 

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En 


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DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    191 

points,  greenish  in  life;  tip  of  anterior  dorsal  rays  and  usually  the 
margin  of  caudal  dusky;  dorsal  and  caudal  yellowish  in  life. 

Of  this  species  30  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  43  to  155  mm., 
were  collected.  Taken  at  Toro  Point ;  Mindi  Reef ;  Colon  Reef ;  Fox 
Bay,  Colon ;  and  Colon  market. 

129.  Ilisha  caribbaea  sp.  nov.     (Plate  X,  fig.  i.) 

Type  No.  81769,  U.  S.  N.  M. ;  length  57mm. ;  Porto  Bello,  Panama. 

Head  4.35  to  4.4;  depth  5.35  to  5.5;  D.  14;  A.  37  or  38. 

Body  very  elongate,  strongly  compressed ;  the  dorsal  profile  slightly 
convex;  ventral  outline  from  articulation  of  lower  jaw  to  origin  of 
anal  straight;  head  much  compressed,  the  interorbital  space  narrower 
than  the  small  eye;  snout  longer  than  eye,  its  length  2.65  to  3.15  in 
head;  eye  3.5  to  3.7;  mouth  little  oblique,  the  lower  jaw  scarcely  pro- 
jecting; maxillary  long,  narrow  posteriorly,  its  lower  margin  very 
strongly  serrate,  reaching  past  posterior  margin  of  eye,  1.15  to  1.22 
in  head ;  teeth  present  on  both  jaws,  tongue,  palatines  and  pterygoids ; 
gill-rakers  as  long  as  eye,  about  16  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch ;  scales 
all  lost ;  dorsal  inserted  behind  origin  of  anal,  about  midway  between 
posterio*  margin  of  opercle  and  base  of  caudal ;  anal  long  and  low, 
its  base  equal  to  half  the  length  of  body  without  head;  ventrals  very 
small,  shorter  than  eye;  pectorals  scarcely  reaching  base  of  ventrals, 
1.3  in  head. 

Color  pale  translucent ;  lower  jaw,  snout  and  nape  with  dark  points ; 
a  row  of  dark  points  just  back  of  margin  of  opercle,  also  a  row  at 
base  of  dorsal,  caudal,  anal  and  pectorals;  rays  of  caudal  with  dusky. 

Of  this  species  we  have  but  2  small  specimens,  52  and  57  mm.  long. 
This  fish  is  distinguished  from  related  species  by  its  very  elongate  body 
and  the  backward  position  of  the  dorsal. 

The  specimens  were  taken  at  Porto  Bello. 

57.  Genus  Opisthopterus  Gill. 

Opisthopterus    Gill,    Proc.    Ac.    Nat.    Sci.    Phila.,    1861,    37,    (type 

Pristigaster  tartoor  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Body  elongate,  very  much  compressed,  the  abdomen  strongly  armed 
with  scutes;  the  lower  jaw  projecting;  maxillary  not  produced;  teeth 
rather  small,  in  villiform  bands  on  both  jaws,  tongue,  palatines,  and 
pterygoids ;  vomer  toothless ;  scales  thin,  deciduous,  of  moderate  size ; 
dorsal  fin  small,  inserted  considerably  behind  middle  of  body,  and  be- 
hind front  of  anal ;  anal  fin  very  long ;  ventrals  wanting;  caudal  deeply 
forked. 


192   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Body  moderately  deep,  the  depth  3.3  to  3.9  in  length ;  eye  mod- 
erate, 3.0  to  3.2  in  head;  dorsal  inserted  much  behind  origin 
of  anal,  much  nearer  base  of  caudal  than  posterior  margin  of 
opercle;  no  black  humeral  spot.  dovii,  p.  192. 

aa.  Body  deeper,  the  depth  2.8  to  3.0  in  length;  eye  very  large, 
2.6  to  2.75  in  head;  dorsal  inserted  farther  forward,  about 
midway  between  posterior  margin  of  opercle  and  base  of  cau- 
dal; a  large  black  humeral  spot  present.  macrops,  p.  193. 

130.  Opisthopterus  dovii  (Giinther). 

Pristigaster  argenteus  Gunther,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,   1866,  603 

(not  of  Cuvier). 
Pristigaster   dovii  Gunther,   Cat.   Fish.   Brit.   Mus.,   VII,    1868,   461 

(Panama). 
Opisthopterus  dovii  Jordan  &  Evermann,   Bull.  U.    S.    Nat.   Mus., 

X.LVII,  1896,  437;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  41  (Panama  Bay)  ;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp. 

Zool.,  XXXV,  1912,  81  (Panama  Bay). 

Head  4.75  to  5.15;  depth  3.3  to  3.9;  D.  12  or  13;  A.  53  to  59; 
scales  53  to  57. 

Body  elongate,  strongly  compressed,  the  belly  armed  with  27  to 
29  scutes;  dorsal  profile  notably  convex  anteriorly;  head  rather  short; 
snout  shorter  than  the  large  eye,  its  length  4.4  to  4.35  in  head;  eye  3 
to  3.2;  mouth  large,  very  oblique;  lower  jaw  projecting;  the  maxillary 
long,  reaching  slightly  past  middle  of  eye,  its  lower  margin  distinctly 
serrate,  1.85  to  1.95  in  head;  teeth  rather  strong,  present  on  jaws, 
tongue,  palatines  and  pterygoids;  gill-rakers  moderate,  17  or  18  on 
lower  limb  of  first  arch;  pseudobranchiae  well  developed;  scales  thin, 
deciduous;  dorsal  and  anal  with  a  scaly  sheath  at  base;  the  dorsal 
small,  inserted  much  behind  origin  of  anal,  over  about  the  i8th  anal 
ray,  much  nearer  the  base  of  caudal  than  posterior  margin  of  opercle ; 
the  anal  fin  very  long,  but  low ;  pectorals  longer  than  head,  4.3  to  4.5 
in  body. 

Color  greenish  above;  sides  silvery;  back  with  a  dark  band;  tip 
of  snout  and  lower  jaw  dusky;  no  dark  humeral  spot;  fins  with  more 
or  less  dusky. 

Of  this  species  only  4  specimens,  90  to  180  mm.  long,  were  taken. 
Besides  these  we  have  had  for  examination  a  specimen  220  mm.  long, 
taken  in  Panama  Bay  by  the  Albatross.  We  have  compared  these  speci- 
mens with  two  of  the  type  specimens  of  0.  lutipinnis  from  Mazatlan. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA — MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    193 

The  latter  is  said  to  have  fewer  anal  rays,  but  we  find  this  an  unreliable 
character,  as  one  of  our  specimens  of  O.  dovii  has  only  53  anal  rays, 
while  we  are  able  to  count  56  in  one  of  the  type  specimens  of  O.  luti- 
pinnis.  We  note,  however,  that  the  head  in  the  last  mentioned  species 
is  notably  longer,  the  pectoral  fins  being  about  equal  to  length  of  head, 
and  the  dorsal  fin  being  inserted  only  slightly  back  of  origin  of  anal, 
over  about  the  sixth  anal  ray,  and  about  midway  between  posterior  mar- 
gin of  opercle  and  base  of  caudal. 

Known  from  Panama  Bay.  Our  specimens  are  from  Chame  Point, 
tide  pools  at  Balboa,  and  the  Panama  market. 

131.  Opisthopterus  macrops  (Gunther). 

Pristigaster  macrops  Gunther,   Proc.   Zool.   Soc.   London,    1866,  603 

( Panama) . 
Opisthopterus  macrops  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896, 437;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904, 

41  (Panama  Bay). 

Of  this  rare  species,  Gilbert  &  Starks  (Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 
1904,  41)  give  the  following  account: 

"The  species  is  readily  distinguished  from  O.  dovii  by  its  much 
larger  eye,  more  oblique  mouth,  strongly  concave  occipital  profile,  and 
deeper  body  with  much  stronger  ventral  curvature.  The  teeth  are 
much  smaller  than  in  O.  dovii,  and  there  is  a  conspicuous  humeral  spot, 
lacking  in  the  latter.  In  the  specimens  taken,  the  head  is  4^  or  4^  in 
length,  the  depth  2^  to  3.  Eye  22/$  to  2^4  in  head.  Front  of  dorsal 
slightly  nearer  root  of  caudal  than  scapula,  farther  forward  than  in 
O.  dovii.  Pectorals  4^2  to  4^3  in  length.  Scutes  27.  D.  13  or  14.  A. 
62.  Coloration  as  in  O.  dovii,  but  with  a  large  black  humeral  spot." 

The  species  was  not  seen  by  us.  It  is  known  only  from  the  type 
specimen,  200  mm.  long,  and  the  three  specimens,  each  about  225  mm. 
long,  on  which  the  above  account  is  based ;  all  from  Panama  Bay. 

58.  Genus  Odontognathus  Lacepede. 

Odontognathus  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II,  1800,  221  (type  Odon- 
tognathus muricatus  Lacepede) . 

Gnathobolus  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801,  556.  (type  Odon- 
tognathus mucronatus  Lacepede). 

Body  elongate,  much  compressed;  ventral  outline  not  prominent, 
armed  with  sharp  scutes;  maxillary  produced  in  adult,  extending  be- 
yond eye  to  or  nearly  to  gill-opening,  shorter  in  young;  teeth  small; 


194    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

scales  thin,  deciduous ;  dorsal  fin  small,  inserted  much  behind  origin  of 
the  long  anal;  ventrals  wanting. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Anal  long,  its  base  more  than  half  the  length  of  body,  with  65 
to  68  rays ;  dorsal  inserted  about  twice  as  far  from  margin  of 
opercle  as  from  base  of  caudal;  ventral  scutes  29. 

panamensis,  p.  194. 

aa.  Anal  shorter,  its  base  about  equal  to  half  the  length  of  body, 
composed  of  58  to  62  rays ;  dorsal  inserted  farther  forward,  not 
twice  as  far  from  margin  of  opercle  as  base  of  caudal,  over 
about  the  sixteenth  anal  ray ;  ventral  scutes  25  to  27. 

compressus  sp.  nov.,  p.  194. 

132.  Odontognathus  panamensis  (Steindachner).  (Plate  XI,  fig.  i.) 
Pristigaster  (Odontognathus)  panamensis  Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Ak. 

Wiss.  Wien,  LXXIV)  Ichth.  Beitr.,  V,  1876,  24  (Panama). 
Odontognathus  panamensis  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  438;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  41. 

Head  5.1  to  6.4;  depth  about  4.1  to  4.25;  D.  n  or  12;  A.  65  to 
68 ;  scales  54  to  56. 

Body  elongate,  very  strongly  compressed;  the  upper  profile  of  head 
strongly  concave  above  eyes ;  ventral  profile  strongly  convex ;  the  belly 
armed  with  29  scutes ;  snout  as  long  as  the  eye  in  adult,  its  length  4  to  4.5 
in  head;  eye  2.9  to  3;  mouth  very  oblique;  the  lower  jaw  but  slightly 
projecting;  maxillary  very  long,  produced  into  a  slender  pro~cess  in 
adult,  reaching  beyond  the  gill-opening,  short  and  broad  in  young ;  teeth 
small,  present  on  both  jaws;  scales  large,  with  many  concentric  rings 
and  radii;  the  weakly  developed  dorsal  inserted  somewhat  less  than 
twice  as  far  from  the  posterior  margin  of  opercle  as  from  the  base 
of  caudal;  anal  very  long,  its  base  more  than  half  the  length  of  body; 
pectorals  exceeding  the  length  of  head  by  an  eye's  diameter;  sides 
with  a  narrow  silvery  band. 

This  species  is  represented  by  2  specimens,  respectively  95  and  125 
mm.  in  length,  taken  at  Chame  Point  by  Mr.  Robert  Tweedlie.  It  was 
previously  known  only  from  the  type  from  Panama  Bay. 

133.  Odontognathus  compressus  sp.  nov.     (Plate  XI,  fig.  2.) 
Type  No.  79533,  U.  S.  N.  M. ;  length  100  mm.;  Fox  Bay,  Colon, 
Panama. 


THE  IWBBf 
OF  THE 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    195 

Head  5.1  to  5.5;  depth  3.5  to  3.9;  D.  10  to  12;  A.  58  to  62;  scales 
about  50. 

Body  very  strongly  compressed,  the  upper  profile  of  head  concave, 
especially  in  larger  individuals;  ventral  outline  strongly  arched  an- 
teriorly, armed  with  25  to  27  strong  scutes ;  head  short ;  snout  not 
quite  as  long  as  eye,  its  length  3.3  to  4.3  in  head;  eye  2.7  to  3.2; 
mouth  very  oblique,  the  lower  jaw  not  greatly  in  advance  of  snout; 
the  maxillary  wide,  produced  in  a  slender  process  in  adult  which  nearly 
or  quite  reaches  to  gill  opening,  its  lower  edge  serrate,  1.2  in  head  in 
specimens  95  mm.  long,  1.75  in  head  in  specimens  55  mm.  long;  teeth 
small,  present  on  both  jaws,  tongue,  palatines  and  pterygoids;  gill- 
rakers  slender,  shorter  than  eye,  about  21  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch ; 
scales  very  thin,  deciduous,  only  a  few  remaining  on  specimens  at 
hand,  their  edges  smooth;  the  dorsal  very  weakly  developed,  inserted 
much  nearer  the  base  of  caudal  than  posterior  margin  of  opercle, 
over  about  the  sixteenth  ray  of  anal ;  anal  long  and  low,  its  base  about 
half  the  length  of  body ;  pectorals  longer  than  head,  3.95  to  4.3  in  body. 

Color  pale  translucent;  the  snout  and  back  with  dusky  points;  a 
trace  of  a  narrow  lateral  streak  present ;  base  of  caudal  with  a  vertical 
dusky  line ;  a  dark  point  at  the  base  of  each  anal  ray. 

Of  this  species  there  are  50  specimens,  ranging  from  55  to  100  mm. 
in  length,  in  the  present  collection.  It  is  distinguished  from  0.  mucro- 
natus,  recorded  from  the  coast  of  Guiana,  by  the  much  shorter  anal  and 
by  the  more  numerous  ventral  scutes. 

Our  specimens  are  all  from  Fox  Bay,  Colon. 


Family  XXVIII.    Engraulidse. 

THE  ANCHOVIES. 

Body  elongate,  more  or  less  compressed;  mouth  very  large,  the 
maxillary  usually  reaching  far  beyond  eye,  frequently  to  gill-opening; 
snout  pointed,  usually  projecting  far  beyond  tip  of  mandible;  eye  large, 
placed  well  forward;  teeth  usually  small  and  even,  sometimes  more 
or  less  uneven  and  some  of  them  canine-like;  premaxillaries  not  pro- 
tractile; gill-membranes  separate  or  joined,  free  from  the  isthmus; 
gill-rakers  long  and  slender ;  pseudobranchiae  present ;  no  lateral  line ; 
scales  thin  and  cycloid ;  belly  usually  compressed  and  weakly  carinate ; 
dorsal  usually  about  median  in  its  position;  no  adipose  fin;  caudal 
forked. 


196   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA. 

a.  Gill-membranes  separate  and  free  from  the  isthmus. 

b.  Teeth  all  small  and  about  equal  in  size.         Anchovia,  p.  196. 
bb.     Teeth  larger,  unequal,  some  of  them  slightly  canine-like. 

Lycengraulis,  p.  211. 
aa.     Gill-membranes  broadly  united,  free  from  the  isthmus. 

Cetengraulis,  p.  212. 

59.  Genus  Anchovia  Jordan  &  Evermann. 

Anchovia  Jordan  &  Evermann,  in  Jordan,  Proc.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  2nd  Ser., 
V,  1895,  411,  and  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  449  (type 
Engraulis  macrolepidotus  Kner  &  Steindachner). 
Body    elongate,    compressed;    belly    usually    compressed;    mouth 
large ;  the  maxillary  usually  reaching  far  past  eye ;  snout  conical,  pro- 
jecting beyond  tip  of  mandible;  scales  rather  large  and  thin,  decid- 
uous; teeth  very  small,  present  on  the  jaws,  vomer,  palatines  and 
pterygoids;  dorsal  inserted  about  midway  on  body;  gill-membranes 
separate,  free  from  the  narrow  isthmus;  gill-rakers  long  and  slender. 

KEY  TO  THE   SPECIES. 

a.  Maxillary  short  and  rather  wide  posteriorly,  ending  abruptly, 
and  not  reaching  beyond  the  articulation  of  mandible. 

b.  Body  rather  deep,  depth  3.5  to  4.0  in  its  length ;  mouth  small, 
the  gape  scarcely  reaching  posterior  margin  of  eye. 

breirirostra  sp.  nov.,  p.  198. 

bb.  Body  more  elongate,  the  depth  5.0  times  or  more  in  its  length ; 
mouth  larger,  the  gape  reaching  much  beyond  eye. 

c.  Depth  5.0  to  5.4;  anal  rays  21  to  24.      elongata  sp.  nov.,  p.  198. 
cc.     Depth  6.4  to  7.4;  anal  rays  16  to  19.  miarcha,  p.    199. 
aa.     Maxillary  long,  and  usually  narrow,  reaching  past  articulation 

of  mandible,  frequently  to  gill-opening. 

d.  Anal  fin  short,  with  1 6  to  24  rays. 

e.  Body  elongate,  depth  5.1  to  5.8  in  length;  pectoral  fins  short, 
not  nearly  reaching  base  of  ventrals. 

f .  Eye  large,  2.75  to  3.3  in  head ;  postorbital  part  of  head  notably 
shorter  than  its  greatest  depth;  teeth  very  minute;  anal  with 
1 8  to  21  rays;  sides  without  a  well  defined  silvery  streak. 

exigua,  p.  200. 

ff.  Eye  smaller,  3.35  to  3.9  in  head;  postorbital  part  of  head  equal 
to  its  greatest  depth;  teeth  larger;  anal  with  16  to  18  rays;  sides 
with  a  broad,  well  defined  silvery  streak. 

arenicola  sp.  nov.,  p.  201. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    197 

ee.  Body  deeper,  the  depth  4.2  to  5.1  in  length;  pectoral  fins  longer, 
reaching  nearly  or  quite  to  base  of  ventrals. 

g.  Snout  long,  nearly  as  long  as  eye ;  cheeks  long,  equal  to  length 
of  snout  and  eye,  the  posterior  angle  very  acute.  naso,  p.  201. 

gg.  Snout  short,  always  notably  shorter  than  eye;  cheeks  short, 
not  equal  to  length  of  snout  and  eye,  the  posterior  angle  only 
moderately  acute. 

h.  Cheeks  very  short,  not  exceeding  eye  in  length,  the  posterior 
angle  scarcely  less  than  a  right  angle;  anal  fin  inserted  under 
anterior  third  of  dorsal;  gill-rakers  numerous,  25  to  30  on  the 
lower  limb  of  first  arch ;  sides  without  a  distinct  silvery  band. 

parva  sp.  nov.,  p.  202. 

hh.  Cheeks  longer,  the  posterior  angle  notably  less  than  a  right 
angle;  anal  fin  inserted  under  posterior  third  of  dorsal;  gill- 
rakers  fewer,  16  to  22  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  sides  with 
a  distinct  silvery  band. 

i.  Head  conical,  little  compressed  ;  teeth  extremely  small ;  median 
line  of  back  with  a  dark  streak.  ischana,  p.  203. 

ii.  Head  short,  compressed;  teeth  slightly  larger;  no  dark  streak 
on  median  line  of  back.  braumii,  p.  204. 

dd.     Anal  fin  with  25  to  38  rays. 

j.  Gill-rakers  rather  few  in  number,  fewer  than  30  on  lower  limb 
of  first  arch. 

k.  Anal  fin  inserted  under  middle  of  dorsal,  its  base  3.2  to  3.8  in 
length  of  body,  with  25  to  30  rays. 

I.  Gill-rakers  few  in  number,  only  n  to  13  on  lower  limb  of 
first  arch ;  eye  small,  3.5  to  3.75  in  head. 

eigenmannia  sp.  nov.,  p.  205. 

II.  Gill-rakers  more  numerous,  1 8  to  22  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch, 
m.     Body  deep  and  much  compressed,  depth  3.6  to  4.0  in  length. 

lucida,  p.  205. 
mm.  Body  less  compressed  and  not  as  deep,  depth  4.4  to  4.8  in 

length.  curia,  p.  206. 

kk.     Anal  fin  inserted  under  anterior  rays  of  dorsal,  its  base  2.7  to 

3.1  in  length  of  body,  with  30  to  38  rays, 
n.       Gill-rakers  longer  than  eye,  rather  few,  about  16  on  lower  limb 

of  first  arch ;  anal  rays  35  to  38.  spinifera,  p.  207. 

nn.     Gill-rakers  shorter  than  eye,  about  20  on  lower  limb  of  first 

arch;  anal  rays  usually  fewer  than  35. 
o.       Depth  of  body  4.1  to  4.6  in  length;  base  of  anal  2.7  to  2.9  in 

length  of  body.  panavnensis,  p.  208. 


198    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

oo.     Depth  of  body  3.8  in  length;  base  of  anal  3.1  in  length  of  body. 

mundeola,  p.  208. 

jj.     Gill-rakers  numerous,  45  or  more  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch, 
p.       Body  not  very  deep,  the  depth  3.3  to  4.25  in  length, 
q.       Depth  of  body  4.0  (3.7  to  4.25)  in  length;  anal  with  28  (26 

to  30)  rays.  rastralis,  p.  209. 

qq.     Depth  of  body  3.57  (3.3  to  4.1)  in  length;  anal  with  31   (29 

to  33)  rays.  producta,  p.  210. 

pp.     Body  very  deep,  the  depth  2.8  to  3.2  in  length. 

macrolepidota,  p.  210. 

134.  Anchovia  brevirostra  sp.  nov.    (Plate  XII,  fig.  i.) 

Type  No.  79578,  U.  S.  N.  M. ;  length  90  mm. ;  Balboa,  Canal  Zone. 

Head  4.3  to  4.6;  depth  3.5  to  4.0;  D.  II  to  14;  A.  23  to  27; 
scales  35  to  40. 

Body  deep,  compressed,  the  ventral  outline  much  more  rounded 
than  the  dorsal ;  head  short ;  snout  extremely  short  and  blunt,  not  pro- 
jecting greatly  beyond  the  tip  of  mandible,  its  length  5.5  to  6.5  in  head ; 
eye  2.3  to  2.8 ;  maxillary  short  and  wide  posteriorly,  scarcely  reaching 
articulation  of  mandible ;  mouth,  unlike  in  other  species  of  this  genus, 
notably  oblique,  the  gape  scarcely  reaching  posterior  margin  of  eye; 
posterior  angle  of  cheek  scarcely  less  than  a  right  angle;  opercle 
with  short  striae;  teeth  present  in  both  jaws,  extremely  small;  gill- 
rakers  rather  short,  25  to  30  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  large 
and  thin,  mostly  persistent ;  dorsal  inserted  about  midway  between  an- 
terior margin  of  eye  and  base  of  caudal;  insertion  of  anal  under 
middle  of  dorsal,  its  base  3.5  to  4.0  in  length  of  body;  pectorals 
reaching  almost  to  base  of  ventrals,  1.05  to  1.25  in  head. 

Color  pale  silvery,  without  a  lateral  band;  back  with  brownish 
points,  these  sometimes  forming  a  median  streak  back  of  dorsal; 
caudal  fin  margined  with  black. 

This  species  is  represented  by  41  specimens  in  the  present  collec- 
tion, ranging  in  length  from  60  to  100  mm.  This  anchovy  is  char- 
acterized by  the  very  short  and  blunt  head,  small  mouth,  and  short  and 
wide  maxillary. 

Our  specimens  are  from  tide  streams  and  the  Bay  at  Balboa. 

135.  Anchovia  elongata  sp.  nov.     (Plate  XII,  fig.  2.) 

Type  No.  81768,  U.  S.  N.  M.;  length  85  mm.;  Hindi  Cut,  Canal 
Zone. 

Head  3.6  to  3.7;  depth  5.0  to  5.4;  D.  12  to  14;  A.  21  to  24;  scales 
36  to  40. 


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DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    199 

Body  very  elongate,  not  greatly  compressed;  head  rather  wide; 
posterior  angle  of  cheek  not  very  acute;  snout  rather  bluntly  rounded, 
shorter  than  the  very  large  eye,  its  length  4.75  to  5.3  in  head;  eye  2.75 
to  3.1 ;  maxillary  widened  posteriorly,  ending  abruptly  at  articulation 
of  mandible;  minute  teeth  present  in  both  jaws,  directed  forward; 
gill-rakers  rather  short,  the  longest  not  more  than  two-thirds  length 
of  eye,  17  to  22  on  the  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  deciduous,  only 
a  few  remaining  on  specimens  at  hand;  origin  of  dorsal  midway 
between  anterior  margin  of  eye  and  base  of  caudal;  anal  inserted 
under  middle  of  base  of  dorsal,  its  base  3.9  to  4.4  in  length  of  body ; 
pectorals  reaching  base  of  ventrals,  1.5  to  1.7  in  head. 

Color  pale  or  olivaceous;  a  rather  ill  defined  silvery  lateral  band 
which  is  narrower  than  eye,  usually  present  (almost  wholly  missing 
in  one  of  our  examples)  ;  back  with  dusky  punctulations,  some  of 
these  often  arranged  so  as  to  form  two  parallel  streaks;  our  largest 
example  with  punctulations  on  sides;  a  row  of  chromatophores  along 
base  of  anal,  and  a  dusky  streak  from  last  ray  of  anal  to  base  of  caudal. 

We  have  7  specimens  of  this  species  which  range  from  70  to  100 
mm.  in  length.  It  is  closely  related  to  A.  cubana  (Poey),  of  which  we 
have  examined  specimens  collected  and  quite  certainly  identified  by 
that  author.  The  maxillary  in  the  present  species  is  very  much 
shorter,  it  reaches  only  to  the  articulation  of  the  mandible  and  is 
widened  posteriorly.  In  A.  cubana  it  reaches  to  the  gill-opening  and 
becomes  narrow  posteriorly,  ending  in  a  sharp  point.  The  silvery  lateral 
band  in  A.  cubana  is  wider  and  much  more  sharply  defined,  and  the 
eye  is  somewhat  smaller. 

Our  specimens  are  from  Mindi  Cut  and  Porto  Bello.  The  single 
specimen  from  the  last  named  locality  was  taken  by  Mr.  E.  A.  Gold- 
man. The  others  were  taken  by  us  in  brackish  water  which  was 
very  muddy. 

136.  Anchovia  miarcha  (Jordan  &  Gilbert). 

Stolephorus  miarchus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1881, 

344  (Mazatlan),  and  1882,  622;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S. 

Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  441. 
Anchovia  miarcha  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904, 

42. 

Head  3.9  to  4.1 ;  depth  6.4  to  7.4;  D.  13  to  15 ;  A.  16  to  19. 

Body  very  elongate,  little  compressed;  belly,  unlike  in  other  species 
of  this  genus,  rounded,  nowhere  coming  to  a  sharp  edge;  head  little 
compressed;  snout  bluntly  pointed,  projecting  for  almost  its  whole 


200   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

length  beyond  tip  of  mandible,  4.5  to  5  in  head;  eye  3.2  to  3.65;  max- 
illary short,  reaching  articulation  of  mandible,  there  ending  abruptly ; 
minute  teeth  present  in  both  jaws;  gill-rakers  short,  about  17  on 
lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  lost;  dorsal  inserted  about  midway 
between  anterior  margin  of  eye  and  base  of  caudal;  anal  inserted 
under  last  rays  of  dorsal,  its  base  5.4  to  6.2  in  length  of  body;  pec- 
torals very  short,  2.4  to  2.8  in  head. 

Color  of  specimens  at  hand,  which  were  preserved  in  formalin, 
pale,  without  silvery ;  no  trace  of  a  lateral  band ;  brownish  dots  on  top 
of  head  and  on  cheek;  those  on  cheeks  sometimes  continued,  forming 
a  line  on  side  of  belly,  and  along  base  of  anal  to  base  of  caudal. 

We  have  36  specimens  of  this  species,  ranging  in  length  from 
25  to  45  mm.  It  is  characterized  by  the  very  slender  body  and  the 
short  maxillary. 

Known  from  Mazatlan  to  the  Pearl  Islands.  Our  specimens  were 
collected  by  Mr.  Robert  Tweedlie,  at  Chame  Point. 

137.  Anchovia  exigua  (Jordan  &  Gilbert). 

Stolephorus  exiguus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1881, 

342    (Mazatlan)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,   Bull.   U.   S.   Nat.   Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  442. 

Head  3.75  to  4.2;  depth  5.1  to  5.75;  D.  13  to  15;  A.  18  to  21; 
scales  38  to  40. 

Body  elongate,  dorsal  and  ventral  outlines  usually  about  evenly 
curved;  head  rather  short,  its  postorbital  portion  notably  shorter  than 
its  greatest  depth;  snout  rather  long  and  pointed,  projecting  beyond 
the  tip  of  the  mandible  for  at  least  three-fourths  of  its  total  length, 
4.4  to  5.5  in  head;  eye  2.75  to  3.3;  maxillary  long  and  narrow,  reach- 
ing to  gill-opening;  minute  teeth,  visible  only  with  the  aid  of  a  lens, 
present  in  both  jaws;  gill-rakers  not  much  shorter  than  eye,  19  to  25 
on  lower  limb  of  first  arch ;  scales  mostly  lost ;  origin  of  dorsal  about 
midway  between  middle  of  eye  and  base  of  caudal;  insertion  of  anal 
under  middle  of  dorsal,  its  base  4.5  to  5.3  in  length  of  body;  pectorals 
short,  not  nearly  reaching  base  of  ventrals,  1.7  to  1.85  in  head. 

Color  pale  silvery;  sides  with  a  faint  silvery  streak  or  none;  back 
with  dusky  punctulations,  these  most  numerous  at  nape;  base  of  anal 
with  a  row  of  dark  points,  these  continued  as  a  median  streak  from 
anal  to  base  of  caudal;  caudal  fin  with  dusky  punctulations. 

We  have  62  specimens  of  this  species,  ranging  in  length  from  55 
to  75  mm.  We  have  had  the  types  for  comparison. 


THE 


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DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   201 

Previously  recorded  only  from  Mazatlan.    Our  specimens  are  from 
Chame  Point  and  Balboa. 


138.  Anchovia  arenicola  sp.  nov.   (Plate  XIII,  fig.  i.) 

Anchovia  ischana  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904, 

42  (Panama;  not  of  Jordan  &  Gilbert). 

Type  No.  81744,  U.  S.  N.  M.;  length  80  mm.;  Taboga  Island, 
Panama. 

Head  3.4  to  3.9;  depth  5.15  to  5.8;  D.  12  to  14;  A.  16  to  18; 
scales  38  to  41. 

Body  very  elongate,  little  compressed;  head  rather  long,  the  post- 
orbital  portion  equal  to  its  greatest  depth;  snout  abruptly  pointed,  its 
length  4.3  to  5.1  in  head;  eye  3.35  to  3.9;  opercular  margin  rounded; 
maxillary  long  and  narrow,  reaching  past  articulation  of  mandible 
but  not  quite  to  gill-opening;  small  teeth,  visible  without  the  aid  of  a 
lens,  present  on  both  jaws ;  gill-rakers  about  two-thirds  length  of  eye, 
18  to  20  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  deciduous,  few  remaining 
on  specimens  at  hand ;  origin  of  dorsal  about  midway  between  anterior 
margin  of  eye  and  base  of  caudal;  anal  inserted  under  posterior 
fourth  of  base  of  dorsal,  its  base  5.4  to  6.0  in  length  of  body;  pec- 
torals short,  not  nearly  reaching  base  of  ventrals,  1.75  to  2.2  in  head. 

Color  pale  silvery;  sides  with  a  sharply  defined  silvery  band;  two 
clusters  of  brownish  dots,  separated  by  a  median  line  at  nape;  back 
with  brownish  punctulations,  these  often  arranged  so  as  to  form  two 
parallel  lines,  at  least  back  of  dorsal. 

Numerous  specimens,  from  60  to  120  mm.  long,  were  taken.  This 
species  was  apparently  identified  as  A.  ischana  by  Gilbert  &  Pierson, 
which  authors  described  the  old  form  as  new  under  the  name  A. 
starksi  (Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  2813).  It  may,  how- 
ever, be  distinguished  from  this  near  relative  by  the  long  slender 
body,  shorter  anal,  larger  teeth,  by  the  very  short  pectorals,  and  by 
the  absence  of  a  dark  median  streak  on  the  back. 

Our  specimens  are  from  Chame  Point,  Taboga  Island,  Naos  Island, 
and  Balboa.  The  specimens  were  all  taken  on  sandy  bottom. 

139.  Anchovia  naso  (Gilbert  &  Pierson). 

Stolephorus  naso  Gilbert  &  Pierson,  in  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S. 

Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  2813  (Panama). 
Anchovia  naso  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  43 

(Panama). 


202    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Head  3.3  to  3.5;  depth  4.4  to  5.0;  D.  12  to  15;  A.  20  to  24;  scales 
38  to  42. 

Body  moderately  compressed,  ventral  outline  usually  more  rounded 
than  the  dorsal;  head  long,  compressed;  snout  nearly  as  long  as  the 
eye,  projecting  for  its  full  length  beyond  tip  of  mandible,  4.4  to  4.8  in 
head ;  eye  3.5  to  4.0 ;  cheeks  long,  equal  to  snout  and  eye,  posteriorly 
with  a  very  acute  angle;  maxillary  reaching  past  articulation  of  man- 
dible, but  not  quite  to  gill-opening;  teeth  rather  prominent,  present  at 
all  ages ;  gill-rakers  slender,  the  longest  two-thirds  the  length  of  eye, 
about  22  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  thin,  caducous;  aliment- 
ary canal  short;  stomach  with  about  12  caeca;  origin  of  dorsal  about 
midway  between  anterior  margin  of  eye  and  base  of  caudal;  anal  fin 
inserted  slightly  posterior  to  middle  of  base  of  dorsal,  its  base  4.0  to 
4.9  in  length  of  body;  pectoral  fin  usually  not  quite  reaching  base  of 
ventrals,  1.8  to  2.0  in  head. 

Color  pale  silvery;  sides  with  a  silvery  band,  which  is  usually 
well  defined ;  in  some  of  our  larger  examples  the  upper  edge  of  it  is 
sprinkled  with  brown  points;  its  greatest  width  equals  diameter  of 
eye,  becoming  narrower  anteriorly  and  on  caudal  peduncle;  back 
sprinkled  with  brown  dots,  these  most  numerous  at  nape,  usually 
forming  two  dotted  lines  back  of  dorsal. 

Of  this  species  472  specimens,  ranging  from  40  to  85  mm.  in 
length,  were  preserved.  It  is  distinguished  from  related  species  by 
the  long  snout. 

Known  only  from  Panama  Bay.  Our  specimens  are  from  Chame 
Point,  Taboga  Island,  Naos  Island  and  Balboa. 

140.  Anchovia  parva  sp.  nov.     (Plate  X,  fig.  2.) 

Type  No.  81767,  U.  S.  N.  M. ;  length  55  mm. ;  Porto  Bello,  Panama. 

Head  4.0  (3.7  to  4.1)  ;  depth  4.4  to  4.7;  D.  II  to  14;  A.  21  to  24; 
scales  36  to  40. 

Body  notably  compressed;  head  very  short;  the  posterior  angle  of 
cheek  not  much  less  than  a  right  angle;  snout  short  and  compressed, 
its  length  4.0  to  4.7  in  head;  eye  2.8  to  3.15;  maxillary  long,  pointed 
posteriorly,  reaching  gill-opening;  teeth  very  minute,  present  in  both 
jaws ;  gill-rakers  slender,  the  longest  about  as  long  as  eye,  rather 
numerous,  25  to  30  on  lower  limb  of  anterior  arch;  scales  deciduous, 
few  remaining  on  most  of  the  specimens  at  hand ;  origin  of  dorsal 
about  midway  between  middle  of  eye  and  base  of  caudal ;  anal  inserted 
under  the  anterior  third  of  base  of  dorsal,  its  base  3.8  to  4.5  in  length 
of  body;  pectorals  scarcely  reaching  ventrals,  1.4  to  1.7  in  head. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   203 

Color  pale;  sides  without  silvery  band,  or  with  only  a  very  faint 
trace  of  one;  back  with  brownish  points;  nape  with  a  quadrate 
blotch,  which  is  sometimes  partly  or  wholly  divided  by  a  median  pale 
line;  base  of  anal  with  rather  faint  chromatophores. 

This  species  is  represented  in  the  present  collection  by  46  specimens, 
ranging  in  length  from  35  to  55  mm.  It  is  distinguished  from  related 
species  by  the  compressed  body,  very  short  head,  and  numerous 
gill-rakers. 

Our  specimens  are  from  Colon  and  Porto  Bello,  and  they  were 
mostly  taken  on  coral  reefs. 

141.  Anchovia  ischana  (Jordan  &  Gilbert).  (Plate  XIII,  fig.  2.) 
Stolephorus  ischanns  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1881, 

340  (Mazatlan). 
Stolephorus  starksi  Gilbert  &  Pierson,  in  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull. 

U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  2813  (Panama). 
Engraulis  ischanus  Boulenger,  Boll.  Mus.  Zool.  Anat.  Torino,  XIV, 

No.  346,  1899,  i   (Rio  Sabana,  Darien). 
Anchovia  starksi  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904, 

43  (Panama). 

Head  3.5  to  3.8;  depth  4.4  to  5.1 ;  D.  13  to  15;  A.  19  to  21 ;  scales 
37  to  42. 

Body  elongate,  little  compressed;  ventral  outline  slightly  more 
rounded  than  the  dorsal;  head  rather  long;  snout  bluntly  pointed, 
its  length  4.5  to  5.2  in  head ;  eye  2.8  to  3.3 ;  opercular  margin  rounded, 
without  an  angle  at  base  of  pectoral ;  posterior  angle  of  cheek  not 
very  acute;  maxillary  narrow,  pointed  posteriorly,  reaching  almost  to 
gill-opening;  teeth  present  in  both  jaws,  extremely  small,  visible  only 
with  the  aid  of  a  magnifying  glass;  gill-rakers  slightly  shorter  than 
eye,  20  to  22  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  more  persistent  than 
in  most  species  of  this  genus,  most  of  them  remaining  on  specimens 
at  hand;  origin  of  dorsal  variable,  but  never  posterior  to  a  point 
midway  between  middle  of  eye  and  base  of  caudal ;  anal  inserted  under 
posterior  fourth  of  base  of  dorsal,  its  base  4.5  to  5.7  in  length  of  body; 
pectorals  scarcely  reaching  base  of  ventrals,  1.6  to  1.8  in  head. 

Color  greenish  with  silvery;  sides  with  a  bright  silvery  band;  back 
with  a  prominent,  median,  blackish  streak  on  its  entire  length;  two 
clusters  of  brownish  dots,  separated  by  a  median  line,  at  nape;  scales 
above  lateral  line  mostly  margined  with  dusky  punctulations. 

Numerous  specimnes  were  preserved.  We  have  for  comparison 
the  types,  with  which  our  specimens  agree  almost  perfectly.  We, 


2O4   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

however,  note  that  in  our  specimens  the  dorsal  fin  is  usually  inserted 
slightly  further  forward.  This  species  is  close  to  A.  brownii,  from 
which  it  differs  mainly  in  the  following  characters:  in  the  less 
compressed  and  more  pointed  head;  in  the  more  rounded  opercular 
margin ;  smaller  teeth ;  and  in  the  presence  of  a  distinct  blackish  streak 
along  the  median  line  of  back. 

Known  from  Mazatlan  to  San  Miguel  Bay,  Panama.    Our  specimens 
are  from  Chame  Point  and  Balboa. 

142.  Anchovia  brownii  (Gmelin).  (Plate  XIV,  fig.  i.) 
Atherinia  brozvnii  Gmelin,  Syst.  Nat.,  1788,  1397  (Jamaica). 
Esox  epsetus  Bonnaterre,  Tableau  Encyclo.,  Ichth.,  1788,  175  (Jamaica). 
Engraulis  lemniscatus  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  II,  II,  1829,  323 

(Brazil). 
Engraulis  tricolor  Agassiz,  in  Spix,  Pise.  Brasil.,   1829,  51    (Bahia; 

Para). 
Engraulis  piquitinga  Agassiz,  in  Spix,  Pise.  Brasil.,  1829,  PI.  XXIII, 

fig.  i   (types  of  tricolor). 
Engraulis  brownii   (part)    Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss., 

XXI,  1848,  41. 

Argentina  menidia  Gronow,  Cat.  Fish,  1854,  141   (after  Browne). 
Engraulis  hiulcus  Goode  &  Bean,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1879,  343 

(Florida). 
Stolephorus  brownii  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI, 

1883,  273. 
Anchovia  brownii  Starks,  Leland  Stanford  Jr.  Univ.  Pub.,  Univ.  Ser., 

1913,  10. 

Head  3.54  (3.4  to  3.75)  ;  depth  4.2  to  4.8;  D.  12  to  14;  A.  19  to 
22 ;  scales  34  to  40. 

Body  elongate,  not  greatly  compressed;  the  ventral  outline  more 
rounded  than  the  dorsal;  head  rather  long;  snout  bluntly  pointed, 
somewhat  shorter  than  eye,  its  length  4.5  to  5  in  head ;  eye  3.3  to  3.9 ; 
maxillary  becoming  narrow  posteriorly,  reaching  nearly  or  quite  to 
gill-opening;  minute  teeth  present  in  both  jaws,  directed  forward; 
gill-rakers  not  much  shorter  than  eye,  16  to  22  present  on  lower 
limb  of  anterior  arch;  scales  deciduous,  scarcely  any  remaining  on 
specimens  at  hand;  insertion  of  dorsal  variable,  but  never  posterior 
to  a  point  midway  between  middle  of  eye  and  base  of  caudal;  anal 
inserted  under  posterior  third  of  base  of  dorsal,  its  base  4  to  5  in 
length  of  body;  pectorals  usually  not  quite  reaching  base  of  ventrals, 
1.5  to  2.0  in  head. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   205 

Color  pale  or  slightly  olivaceous ;  sides  usually  with  a  well  defined 
silvery  streak,  occasionally  indistinct  or  almost  wholly  wanting;  top 
of  head  and  back  with  brownish  punctulations,  these  most  numerous 
at  nape,  sometimes  forming  two  parallel  streaks  along  back  from  nape 
to  base  of  caudal ;  anal  with  a  row  of  dark  dots  along  base. 

We  have  50  specimens  of  this  species,  which  range  in  length  from 
55  to  100  mm. 

Known  from  the  Atlantic  coast  of  both  North  and  South  America, 
from  Cape  Cod  to  Natal,  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are  from  Colon  and 
Porto  Bello. 

143.  Anchovia  eigenmannia  sp.  nov.     (Plate  XIV,  fig.  2.) 

Type  No.  79589,  U.  S.  N.  M. ;  length  80  mm.;  Taboga  Island, 
Panama. 

Head  3.8  to  4.0;  depth  4.4  to  4.8;  D.  12  to  15 ;  A.  27  to  30;  scales 

37  to  40. 

Body  moderately  compressed;  the  back  little  elevated;  ventral 
outline  notably  more  rounded  than  the  dorsal;  snout  short  and  blunt, 
projecting  beyond  the  tip  of  the  mandible  for  about  two-thirds  its 
length,  5.0  to  6.4  in  head;  eye  3.5  to  3.75 ;  maxillary  long  and  narrow, 
ending  in  a  rather  sharp  point  slightly  anterior  to  edge  of  opercle; 
cheek  rather  long,  the  posterior  angle  strongly  acute ;  teeth  in  the 
jaws  rather  large;  gill-rakers  shorter  than  eye,  few  in  number,  only 
ii  to  13  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  mostly  lost;  dorsal  fin 
usually  inserted  about  midway  between  middle  of  eye  and  base  of 
caudal;  anal  inserted  under  middle  of  dorsal,  its  base  3.45  to  3.8  in 
length  of  body;  pectorals  reaching  about  to  base  of  ventrals,  1.35 
to  1.6  in  head. 

Color  pale;  sides  with  an  ill  defined  silvery  streak  which  is 
sometimes  replaced  by  more  or  less  dusky;  back  with  brownish 
punctulations,  which  are  most  numerous  at  nape  and  often  form  a 
median  streak,  at  least  back  of  dorsal. 

We  have  15  specimens  of  this  species,  ranging  in  length  from 
75  to  85  mm.  It  is  related  to  A.  lucida,  from  which  it  differs  mainly 
in  the  more  elongated  body,  smaller  eye,  and  in  possessing  fewer 
gill-rakers. 

Our  specimens  are  all  from  Taboga  Island. 

144.  Anchovia  lucida  (Jordan  &  Gilbert). 

Stolephorus  lucidus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1881, 
341  (Mazatlan)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
XLVII,  1896,  446. 


2o6   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Anchovia  lucida  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.   Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  42. 

Head  3.6  to  3.9;  depth  3.6  to  4.0;  D.  12  or  13;  A/ 27  to  29;  scales 
35  to  39. 

Body  deep,  much  compressed;  the  ventral  outline  much  more 
rounded  than  the  dorsal;  snout  short  and  blunt,  much  shorter  than 
the  large  eye,  its  length  5.3  to  6.3  in  head ;  eye  2.8  to  3.2 ;  maxillary 
rather  long,  reaching  slightly  past  articulation  of  mandible;  posterior 
angle  of  cheek  only  moderately  acute;  small  teeth  present  in  both 
jaws;  gill-rakers  short,  not  much  more  than  half  the  length  of  eye, 
1 8  to  20  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch ;  scales  moderately  adherent ; 
dorsal  fin  usually  inserted  about  midway  between  anterior  margin  of 
eye  and  base  of  caudal ;  origin  of  anal  under  middle  of  dorsal,  its  base 
3.3  to  3.6  in  length  of  body;  pectorals  reaching  about  to  base  of 
ventrals,  1.4  to  1.55  in  head. 

Color  pale  silvery ;  sides  with  a  more  or  less  distinct  silvery  band ; 
dorsal  region  with  numerous  brownish  punctulations. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us.  It  is  here  described  from  the 
type  specimens,  from  Mazatlan,  which  range  in  length  from  70  to 
115  mm. 

Known  from  Mazatlan  and  Panama.  The  Panama  record  is  by 
Gilbert  &  Starks. 

145.  Anchovia  curta  (Jordan  &  Gilbert). 

Stolephorus  curtus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,   1881, 

343    (Mazatlan)  ;  Jordan  &   Evermann,  Bull.   U.   S.   Nat.   Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  445. 
Anchovia  curta  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  42. 

Head  3.5  to  3.8;  depth  4.4  to  4.8;  D.  12  to  14;  A.  25  to  29;  scales 
35  to  40. 

Body  moderately  elongate,  compressed;  ventral  outline  more 
rounded  than  the  dorsal ;  head  moderate ;  snout  short  and  rather  blunt, 
extending  for  its  whole  length  beyond  the  tip  of  the  mandible,  4.5  to 
5.5  in  head;  eye  4.4  to  4.8;  maxillary  long  and  narrow,  reaching 
almost  to  gill-opening;  small  teeth  present  in  both  jaws;  gill-rakers 
notably  shorter  than  eye,  18  to  22  on  lower  limb  of  anterior  arch; 
scales  deciduous,  only  few  remaining  on  specimens  at  hand ;  origin 
of  dorsal  about  midway  between  anterior  margin  of  eye  and  base  of 
caudal ;  anal  inserted  under  about  middle  of  base  of  dorsal,  its  base 
3.2  to  3.7  in  length  of  body;  pectorals  reaching  base  of  ventrals,  1.45 
to  1.8  in  head. 

Color  pale  silvery;  sides  with  an  indistinct  narrow  silvery  streak 


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DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   207 

or  none;  back  with  brownish  points,  these  most  numerous  at  nape; 
base  of  anal  with  a  series  of  dark  points  which  are  usually  continued 
back  of  anal  to  base  of  caudal. 

The  present  collection  contains  24  specimens,  ranging  from  40  to 
60  mm.  in  length.  One  specimen,  50  mm.  long,  from  Panama  Bay, 
Balboa,  we  only  tentatively  place  under  this  species,  as  it  differs  from 
the  specimens  here  described  in  the  longer  anal,  which  has  33  rays. 
We  have  had  the  numerous  types  of  this  species  for  comparison  and 
we  find  that  our  specimens  average  slightly  fewer  gill-rakers  and  a 
somewhat  longer  anal  fin. 

Known  from  Mazatlan  to  Panama.  Our  specimens  were  taken  in 
fresh  or  slightly  brackish  muddy  water  in  the  Rio  Chorrera,  Rio 
Culebra  and  Rio  Calobre. 

146.  Anchovia  spinifera  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Engraulis  spinifer  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.   Nat.   Poiss.,  XXI, 

1848,   39    (Cayenne)  ;   Steindachner,    (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.   Wien, 

LXXX)  Ichth.  Beitr.,  VIII,  1879,  58  (Guiana,  Bahia,  Panama,  etc.). 
Stolephorus  spinifer  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  448. 
Anchovia  spinifera  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904, 

46,  PI.  VIII,  fig.  15  (Panama). 

Head  4;  depth  4.1 ;  D.  15;  A.  35  to  38. 

Body  compressed,  the  abdomen  strongly  compressed,  but  not 
serrate;  head  pointed;  snout  strongly  projecting;  mouth  large;  the 
jaws  with  minute  teeth;  maxillary  tapering,  reaching  gill-opening; 
gill-rakers  slender,  longer  than  eye,  about  16  on  lower  limb  of  first 
arch;  origin  of  dorsal  an  eye's  diameter  nearer  tip  of  snout  than  base 
of  caudal ;  pectorals  reaching  slightly  beyond  the  base  of  ventrals. 

Color  uniform,  no  distinct  lateral  stripe.  The  fins  are  all  intensively 
orange-yellow  in  life;  the  upper,  lower  and  posterior  margins  of  the 
caudal  fin  are  closely  punctulate  with  dark  points. 

This  fish  was  not  seen  by  us.  The  above  description  was  compiled 
from  published  accounts.  The  species  is  recorded  from  Panama  by 
Steindachner  and  by  Gilbert  &  Starks. 

Known  from  the  coasts  of  Guiana,  Brazil  and  the  Pacific  coast 
of  Panama. 

147.  Anchovia  panamensis    (Steindachner).      (Plate  XV,  fig.   i.) 
Engraulis   panamensis   Steindachner,    (Sitzb.   k.   Akad.   Wiss.   Wien, 

LXXII)  Ichth.  Beitr.,  IV,  1875,  39  (Panama). 


208   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Stolephorus  panamensis  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  II, 

1882  (1883),  109,  and  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882,  622;  Jordan  & 

Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  448. 
Anchovia  panamensis  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.   Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  44  (Panama). 

Head  3.9  to  4.6 ;  depth  4.1  to  4.6 ;  D.  12  to  14 ;  A.  30  to  36 ;  scales  38 

to  43. 

Body  much  compressed,  rather  deep;  the  ventral  outline  more 
rounded  than  the  dorsal ;  snout  shorter  than  eye,  projecting  for  nearly 
its  whole  length  beyond  tip  of  mandible,  4.7  to  6.5;  eye  3.0  to  3.5  in 
head ;  maxillary  narrowed  posteriorly,  variable  in  length,  usually  reach- 
ing slightly  past  articulation  of  mandible,  occasionally  to  gill-opening; 
teeth  in  the  jaws  small,  persistent;  gill-rakers  shorter  than  eye,  about  20 
on  lower  limb  of  anterior  arch,  not  increasing  in  number  with  age; 
alimentary  canal  short;  dorsal  and  anal  fins  with  scaly  sheath;  origin 
of  dorsal  about  midway  between  middle  of  eye  and  base  of  caudal; 
origin  of  anal  under  anterior  rays  of  dorsal ;  base  of  anal  long,  2.7  to 
2.9  in  length  of  body ;  pectorals  reaching  to  or  past  base  of  ventrals,  1.15 
to  1.35  in  head. 

Color  pale  silvery,  with  dusky  punctulations  on  head  and  back; 
a  silvery  lateral  band  present,  which  is  notably  narrower  than  eye; 
base  of  anal  with  a  row  of  dusky  chromatophores. 

Of  this  species  55  specimens  from  60  to  100  mm.  in  length  were 
taken.  It  is  very  closely  related  to  A.  compressa,  from  which  it  may, 
however,  be  distinguished  by  the  much  narrower  lateral  band,  shorter 
head,  and  fewer  gill-rakers. 

Known  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  tropical  America.  Our  specimens 
are  from  Panama  Bay,  Balboa. 

148.  Anchovia  mundeola  (Gilbert  &  Pierson).     (Plate  XV,  fig.  2.) 
Stolephorus  mundeolus  Gilbert  &   Pierson,  in  Jordan   &   Evermann, 

Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  2812  (Panama). 
Anchovia  mundeola  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904, 

44  (Panama). 

Head  4.2;  depth  3.8;  D.  13;  A.  32;  scales  38. 

Body  much  compressed,  deep;  the  ventral  outline  more  rounded 
than  the  dorsal;  head  rather  long;  snout  shorter  than  the  large  eye, 
its  length  5.5  in  head;  eye  3.3;  tip  of  mandible  slightly  in  advance 
of  eye;  maxillary  reaching  to  gill-opening;  teeth  in  the  jaws  small, 
persistent ;  gill-rakers  shorter  than  eye,  about  20  on  lower  limb  of  first 
arch;  dorsal  and  anal  with  scaly  sheath;  origin  of  dorsal  midway 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   209 

between  middle  of  eye  and  base  of  caudal ;  origin  of  anal  under  anterior 
rays  of  dorsal;  base  of  anal  rather  short,  3.1  in  length  of  body; 
pectorals  reaching  base  of  ventrals,  1.35  in  head. 

Color  pale  silvery,  with  dusky  punctulations  on  head  and  back; 
a  very  narrow  and  rather  indistinct,  silvery,  lateral  band  present. 

We  have  a  single  specimen,  120  mm.  long,  which  we  assign  to 
this  species.  It  is  distinguished  from  A.  panamensis  by  the  notably 
deeper  body  and  shorter  anal  base,  and  by  the  larger  eye.  In  our 
largest  specimens,  100  mm.  long,  of  A.  panamensis  the  eye  measures 
3.5  in  head,  while  in  our  much  larger  specimen  of  A.  mundeola  it 
measures  only  3.3  in  head. 

Known  only  from  Panama  Bay.  Our  specimen  is  from  a  tide 
pool  at  Balboa. 

149.  Anchovia  rastralis  (Gilbert  &  Pier  son). 

Stolephorus  rastralis  Gilbert  &  Pierson,  in  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull. 

U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  2811  (Panama). 
Anchovia  rastralis  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904, 

42,  PI.  VIII,  fig.  14  (Panama). 

Head  3.2  to  3.4;  depth  3.7  to  4.25;  D.  12  to  14;  A.  26  to  30; 
scales  36  to  40. 

Body  much  compressed ;  belly  carinate ;  head  shaped  as  in 
Cetengraulis,  but  not  as  long;  cheeks  with  a  very  acute  posterior 
angle;  snout  much  shorter  than  eye,  projecting  for  its  whole  length 
beyond  tip  of  mandible,  4.8  to  6.2  in  head;  eye  3.0  to  3.5;  maxillary 
reaching  past  articulation  of  mandible,  but  not  quite  to  gill-opening; 
teeth  small;  gill-rakers  very  slender,  the  longest  not  much  shorter 
than  eye,  numerous,  about  50  on  lower  limb  of  anterior  arch  in 
specimens  60  mm.  long;  scales  large  and  thin,  caducous,  few 
remaining  on  specimens  at  hand;  origin  of  dorsal  variable,  usually 
about  midway  between  anterior  margin  of  eye  and  base  of  caudal; 
anal  inserted  under  middle  of  dorsal,  its  base  3.45  to  3.8  in  length  of 
body;  pectorals  reaching  base  of  ventrals,  1.75  to  2.0  in  head. 

Color  pale  or  slightly  olivaceous ;  sides  with  a  somewhat  ill  defined 
silvery  band ;  back  with  brownish  punctulations,  which  often  form  two 
parallel  lines,  at  least  back  of  dorsal  fin. 

We  have  25  specimens  of  this  species,  ranging  from  40  to  70  mm. 
in  length.  We  have  also  examined  several  of  the  cotypes.  This 
species  is  very  closely  related  to  A.  product  a,  from  which  we  separate 
it  with  difficulty. 


2io    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Known  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  Panama.     Our  specimens  are 
from  the  tide  streams  at  Corozal  and  Balboa. 


150.  Anchovia  producta  (Poey). 

Engraulis  productus  Poey,  Repertorio,  1866,  380  (Cuba). 

Stolephorus  productus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  447. 

Head  3.2  to  3.5;  depth  3.3  to  4.1;  D.  13  or  14;  A.  29  to  33; 
scales  38  to  44. 

Body  compressed ;  ventral  outline  more  strongly  curved  than  dorsal ; 
belly  compressed  but  not  serrate ;  head  compressed ;  snout  very  short, 
much  shorter  than  eye,  its  length  5.3  to  9.5  in  head;  eye  3  to  4.1; 
maxillary  long,  ending  in  a  rather  sharp  point  slightly  beyond 
articulation  of  mandible;  teeth  very  minute;  gill-membranes  separate, 
free  from  the  isthmus ;  gill-rakers  long,  about  equal  to  length  of  eye 
in  specimens  130  mm.  long,  shorter  in  young,  serrate  on  sides,  the 
serrse  fitting  together  like  cogs  on  a  wheel,  about  100  on  lower  limb 
of  anterior  arch  in  specimens  130  mm.  long;  scales  thin,  cycloid, 
more  or  less  caducous;  stomach  with  about  12  caeca;  intestine  short; 
dorsal  and  anal  fins  with  a  scaly  sheath  at  base;  the  anal  long,  its 
origin  under  middle  of  dorsal;  caudal  deeply  forked,  the  lower  lobe 
the  longer;  ventrals  very  small,  placed  close  together  near  ventral 
edge;  pectorals  moderate,  usually  reaching  base  of  ventrals,  1.7  to 
1.85  in  head. 

Color  greenish  above;  silvery  on  sides;  young  usually  with  an  ill 
defined  silvery  lateral  band. 

We  have  54  specimens  of  this  species,  ranging  in  length  from  60 
to  175  mm.  We  have,  besides  these,  examined  specimens  from 
Jamaica. 

Known  from  Cuba,  Jamaica  and  Panama.  Our  material  is  from 
Mindi  Cut,  Colon  market  and  Porto  Bello. 

151.  Anchovia  macrotepidota  (Kner  &  Steindachner). 
Engraulis  macrolepidotus  Kner  &  Steindachner,  Abh.  k.  Bayer.  Ak. 

Wiss.,  X,  1864  (1865),  21,  PI.  Ill,  fig.  2  (Rio  Bayano,  Panama)  ; 
Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Akad.  Wiss.  Wien,  LXXII)  Ichth.  Beitr., 

IV,  1875,  37- 

Stolephorus  macrolepidotus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 
II,  1882   (1883),  109. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.  211 

Anchovia  macrolepidota  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XL VII,  1896,  449;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  47   (Panama)  ;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp. 

Zool.,  XXXV,  1912,  81  (Panama). 

Head  3  to  3.5;  depth  2.8  to  3.2;  D.  12  to  14;  A.  27  to  31 ;  scales 
37  to  40. 

Body  rather  short,  and  deep,  becoming  deeper  with  age ;  the  ventral 
outline  much  more  rounded  than  the  dorsal;  snout  very  short,  much 
shorter  than  eye,  projecting  almost  its  full  length  beyond  the  tip  of 
the  mandible,  8.3  to  10  in  head;  eye  3.8  to  4;  maxillary  narrowed 
posteriorly,  variable  in  length,  reaching  from  slightly  past  articulation 
of  mandible  to  gill-opening;  teeth  in  the  jaws  very  minute,  persistent 
even  in  adult;  gill-rakers  long  and  slender,  nearly  equal  to  length  of 
eye,  about  95  on  the  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  thin,  caducous; 
alimentary  canal  short;  stomach  with  about  12  pyloric  cseca;  dorsal 
and  anal  fins  with  a  scaly  sheath ;  origin  of  dorsal  slightly  nearer  base 
of  caudal  than  tip  of  snout;  anal  fin  long,  its  origin  under  middle  of 
base  of  dorsal;  caudal  fin  deeply  forked,  the  lower  lobe  slightly  the 
longer;  pectoral  fins  reaching  about  to  base  of  ventrals,  1.55  to  1.9 
in  head. 

Color  bluish  green  above ;  mostly  silvery  on  sides,  without  a  lateral 
band. 

We  have  4  specimens  of  this  species,  ranging  from  16.5  to  190 
mm.  in  length. 

Known  from  the  Gulf  of  California  south  to  Panama.  Our 
specimens  are  from  tide  streams  at  Balboa,  and  from  the  Panama 
market. 

60.  Genus  Lycengraulis  Gunther. 

Lycengraulis  Gunther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  VII,   1868,  385   (type 

Engraulis  grossidens  Cuvier). 

This  genus  differs  from  Anchovia  in  having  larger  teeth  in  the  jaws, 
which  are  more  or  less  unequal  in  size,  some  of  them  being  canine-like. 

152.  Lycengraulis  poeyi    (Kner  &   Steindachner) . 

Engraulis  poeyi  Kner  &  Steindachner,  Abh.  k.  Bayer.  Ak.  Wiss.,  X, 

1864  (1865),  23,  PI.  Ill,  fig.  3  (Rio  Bayano,  Panama). 
Stolephorus  poeyi  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  445. 
Lycengraulis  poeyi  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904, 

49  (Panama). 


212    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Head  4.25  to  4.4;  depth  4  to  4.5 ;  D.  13  to  15 ;  A.  22  to  23 ;  scales 
40  to  43. 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  the  ventral  outline  more  rounded  than 
the  dorsal;  snout  very  short,  much  shorter  than  eye,  its  length  6.2  to 
8  in  head;  eye  3.3  to  4.4;  maxillary  long,  reaching  slightly  past 
articulation  of  mandible,  occasionally  nearly  to  gill-opening;  teeth  in 
the  lower  jaw  more  or  less  unequal;  those  in  the  upper  jaw  smaller, 
more  even  in  size,  and  more  numerous ;  gill-rakers  rather  short  and 
strong,  much  shorter  than  eye,  14  or  15+18  to  20  on  anterior  arch, 
apparently  not  increasing  in  number  with  age;  scales  very  thin, 
caducous;  alimentary  canal  short;  stomach  with  numerous  pyloric 
caeca;  dorsal  and  anal  fins  with  a  scaly  sheath;  anal  fin  long,  its  origin 
under  middle  of  base  of  dorsal ;  caudal  forked,  the  lower  lobe  longer ; 
pectorals  moderate,  usually  reaching  the  base  of  the  small  ventrals, 
1.2  to  1.38  in  head. 

Color  bluish  green  above ;  sides  silvery ;  our  smallest  specimen 
with  a  very  wide  lateral  band,  absent  in  larger  examples. 

Of  this  species  17  specimens,  ranging  from  135  to  230  mm.  in 
length,  were  obtained.  We  have  compared  these  specimens  with  a 
single  specimen  of  L.  grossidens  from  Bahia,  Brazil.  The  latter  ap- 
parently very  closely  related  species  seems  to  have  the  teeth  in  the 
jaws  more  uneven  and  further  apart. 

Known  only  from  Panama  Bay.  Our  spcimens  are  from  tide 
streams  and  a  sandy  beach  at  Balboa,  and  from  the  Panama  market. 

.* 

61.  Genus  Cetengraulis  Giinther. 

Cetengraulis  Giinther,   Cat.  Fish.  Brit.   Mus.,  VII,   1868,  383    (type 

Engraulis  edentulus  Cuvier). 

The  gill-membranes  broadly  united,  free  from  the  isthmus;  gill- 
rakers  long  and  slender;  teeth  minute. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.       Head  long,  2.75  to  2.9  in  body;  depth  3.45  to  4.15. 

mysticetus,  p.  212. 
aa.     Head  shorter,  3  to  3.3  in  body;  depth  2.9  to  3.6. 

edentulus,  p.  214. 

153.  Cetengraulis  mysticetus  (Giinther). 

Engraulis  mysticetus  Giinther,   Proc.  Zool.   Soc.   London,   1866,  604 
(Panama). 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.  213 

Cetengraulis  mysticetus  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  VII,  1868,  383; 

Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  47  (Panama). 
Stolephorus  opercularis  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.   U.  S.  Nat.   Mus., 

1881,  275  (Punta  San  Felipe,  Gulf  of  Cal.)  ;  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S. 

Nat.  Mus.,  1890,  449. 
Cetengraulis  engymen  Gilbert  &  Pierson,  in  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull. 

U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1898,  2815  (Panama)  ;  Gilbert  &  Starks, 

Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  48  (Panama). 
Anchovia  opercularis  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  42. 

Head  2.75  to  2.9 ;  depth  3.45  to  4.15 ;  D.  14  to  17 ;  A.  21  to  23 ;  scales 
42  to  45. 

Body  rather  deep,  compressed,  growing  deeper  with  age;  belly 
trenchant,  but  not  carinate  or  serrate ;  head  compressed,  opercles  long ; 
snout  very  short,  much  shorter  than  eye,  its  length  7.5  to  10  in  head ; 
eye  4.5  to  5.65;  teeth  minute;  gill-membranes  broadly  united,  wholly 
free  from  the  isthmus;  gill-rakers  long,  becoming  proportionately 
much  longer  and  more  numerous  with  age,  equal  to  length  of  eye  in 
young,  about  twice  length  of  eye  in  adult;  specimens  50  mm.  long 
with  about  22  gill-rakers  on  upper  limb  of  anterior  arch  and  28  on 
lower  limb,  examples  80  mm.  long  with  about  40  on  upper  and  43 
on  lower,  those  140  mm.  long  with  about  58  on  upper  and  57  on  lower; 
scales  cycloid,  very  thin  and  more  or  less  caducous;  stomach  with 
about  14  caeca ;  intestine  very  long,  with  numerous  convolutions ;  dorsal 
and  anal  with  a  scaly  sheath ;  caudal  forked,  the  lower  lobe  slightly 
the  longer;  ventrals  very  small;  pectorals  rather  short,  not  quite 
reaching  origin  of  ventrals,  2.15  to  2.6  in  head. 

Color  olivaceous  above,  silvery  on  sides  and  below;  young  with 
a  silvery  lateral  band,  which  disappears  in  specimens  about  85  mm.  in 
length. 

We  have  several  hundred  specimens  of  this  species,  but  only  on 
two  occasions  were  they  taken  in  great  abundance.  We  have  examined 
the  type  of  Stolephorus  opercularis  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  and  we  are 
convinced  that  it  is  C.  mysticetus  with  the  gill-membranes  broken.  The 
membranes  are  still  present  and  may  be  lifted  with  dissecting  needles 
so  as  to  fit  together. 

Known  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  Central  America,  Punta  San 
Felipe  to  Panama.  Our  specimens  are  from  Chame  Point,  Naos 
Island,  Balboa  and  Panama  market. 


214    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

154.  Cetengraulis  edentulus  (Cuvier). 

Engraulis  edentulus   Cuvier,   Regne  Animal.,   Ed.   II,   II,    1829,   323 

(Jamaica). 

Engraulis  brevis  Poey,  Repertorio,  I,  1866,  379  (Cuba). 
Cetengraulis  edentulus  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  VII,  1868,  383. 
Cetengraulis  brevis  Swam  &  Meek,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1884,  35. 
Stole phorus  garmani  Evermann  &  Marsh,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

1899  OQOO),  352'  (Puerto  Real,  Porto  Rico),  and  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish 

Comm.,  XX,  Pt.  I,  1900  (1902),  89,  fig.  14. 
Stole  phorus  gilberti  Evermann  &  Marsh,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  1899 

(1900),  352  (Palo  Seco,  Porto  Rico),  and  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

XX,  Pt.  I,  1900  (1902),  90,  fig.  15. 

Head  3  to  3.3;  depth  2.9  to  3.6;  D.  14  to  16;  A.  21  to  24;  scales 
40  to  43. 

Body  deep,  compressed,  growing  deeper  with  age ;  back,  in  front  of 
dorsal,  strongly  compressed,  coming  to  a  sharp  edge;  belly  strongly 
compressed,  but  not  carinate  or  serrate;  head  rather  short;  opercles 
of  moderate  length;  snout  very  short,  much  shorter  than  eye,  its 
length  5.5  to  8.3  in  head;  eye  3.4  to  3.8;  teeth  minute;  gill-membranes 
broadly  united,  free  from  the  isthmus ;  gill-rakers  numerous,  long  and 
slender,  proportionately  larger  in  adult;  scales  cycloid,  more  or  less 
caducous;  dorsal  and  anal  fins  with  a  scaly  sheath  at  base;  caudal 
forked;  the  lower  lobe  slightly  the  longer;  ventrals  very  short; 
pectorals  moderate,  not  quite  reaching  ventrals,  1.9  to  2.25  in  head. 

Color  olivaceous  above,  silvery  on  sides  and  below;  young  with 
a  silvery  lateral  band. 

Only  two  specimens,  respectively  50  and  30  mm.  long,  were  taken. 
The  above  description  is  based  on  these  and  several  specimens  from 
Jamaica  and  Rio  Janeiro,  Brazil.  We  have  also  examined  the  types 
of  Stolephorus  garmani  Evermann  &  Marsh,  and  Stolephorus  gilberti 
Evermann  &  Marsh.  Both  undoubtedly  belong  to  the  genus  Ceten- 
graulis. The  gill-membranes  are  broken,  but  still  present,  and  many  be 
lifted  with  dissecting  needles  so  as  to  extend  across  the  isthmus. 
According  to  our  measurements  both  readily  fall  within  the  range  of 
the  present  species.  This  species  is  very  closely  related  to  C. 
mysticetus,  from  which  it  differs  in  the  somewhat  shorter  head  and 
deeper  body. 

Known  from  the  West  Indies  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are  from 
the  Colon  market  and  Fox  Bay,  Colon. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.  215 

Order  X.     Iniomi. 
Family  XXIX.    Synodontidse. 

THE  LIZARD-FISHES. 

Body  oblong  or  elongate,  little,  if  at  all,  compressed;  head  blunt 
or  pointed ;  mouth  very  large,  the  entire  margin  of  upper  jaw  formed 
by  the  premaxillaries ;  maxillaries  rudimentary  or  wanting,  closely 
adherent  to  the  premaxillaries  if  present;  opercular  bones  thin  but 
complete;  gill-membranes  mostly  separate,  free  from  the  isthmus; 
branchiostegals  usually  numerous;  gill-rakers  small  or  obsolete; 
pseudobranchiae  present;  teeth  mostly  cardiform  on  both  jaws,  tongue 
and  palatines;  canines  rarely  present,  large  teeth  usually  depressible; 
no  barbels;  scales  usually  present,  cycloid;  lateral  line  present; 
alimentary  canal  short;  air  bladder  small  or  wanting;  eggs  enclosed 
in  the  sacs  of  the  ovary  and  extruded  through  an  oviduct;  dorsal  fin 
short,  with  soft  rays  only ;  adipose  fin  present,  rarely  obsolete ;  pectoral 
and  ventral  fins  present ;  anal  fin  moderate  or  long ;  caudal  fin  forked ; 
the  skeleton  rather  well  ossified ;  sides  sometimes  with  phosphorescent 
spots  or  photophores.  Most  of  the  species  of  this  family  inhabit  sandy 
shores ;  some  of  them  descend  to  the  depths  of  the  ocean. 

KEY  TO   THE  GENERA. 

a.       Body  very  elongate,  terete  or  subterete;  head  long,  more  or 
less  depressed ;  snout  long,  triangular,  notably  longer  than  eye. 

Synodus,  p.  215. 

aa.     Body  stouter,  somewhat  compressed;  head  short,  compressed; 
snout  very  short  and  blunt,  notably  shorter  than  eye. 

Trachinocephalus,  p.  222. 

62.  Genus  Synodus  Scopoli. 

Synodus  Scopoli,  Intro.  Hist.  Nat.,   1777,  449   (type  Esox  synodus 

Linnaeus). 
Tirus  Rafinesque,  Caratteri,  etc.,  1810,  56  (type  Tirus  marmoratus 

Rafinesque=  Esox  synodus  Linnaeus). 
Saurus  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  I,  II,  1817,  169  (type  Salmo  saurus 

Linnaeus). 
Alpismaris  Risso,  Hist.  Nat.  Princ.  Prod.  1'Europe,  III,  1826,  458  (type 

Alpismaris  risso  Risso). 
Laurida  Swainson,  Nat.  Hist.  &  Class.  Fish.,  II,  1839,  287  (type  Salmo 

fastens  Linnaeus). 


216   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Body  elongate,  terete;  head  more  or  less  depressed;  snout 
triangular,  usually  rather  pointed;  mouth  very  large;  premaxillaries 
very  long,  more  than  half  the  length  of  head,  not  protractile; 
maxillaries,  if  present,  very  small  and  closely  connected  with  the 
premaxillaries;  teeth  in  the  premaxillaries  large,  compressed,  with 
sharp  cutting  edges,  depressible,  in  one  or  two  series ;  lower  jaw  with 
a  band  of  similar  teeth,  the  inner  and  larger  ones  depressible;  tongue, 
palatines  and  hyoid  bone  all  provided  with  depressible  teeth;  first 
superior  pharyngeal  cartilaginous,  the  second  without  teeth,  the  third 
and  fourth  separate,  with  teeth ;  lower  pharyngeals  separate ;  gill-rakers 
minute,  spine-like;  pseudobranchiae  well  developed;  gill-membranes 
slightly  connected;  branchiostegals  12  to  16;  scales  rather  small, 
cycloid,  covering  body,  cheek  and  opercles ;  top  of  head  naked ;  lateral 
line  present;  dorsal  fin  anterior;  caudal  forked,  rather  short;  anal 
short,  posterior  in  its  position;  ventrals  long,  not  far  behind  pectorals; 
pectorals  moderate,  inserted  high;  stomach  with  a  long  blind  sac  and 
many  pyloric  caeca;  skeleton  rather  firm. 

KEY   TO   THE   SPECIES. 

a.  Scales  large,  43  to  52  in  lateral  series ;  lateral  line  with  a  blunt 
keel  posteriorly. 

b.  Anterior  rays  of  dorsal  fin  not  reaching  tips  of  succeeding  rays 
when  deflexed;  lower  jaw  rounded  anteriorly,  not  ending  in  a 
fleshy  knob  or  point;  shoulder  girdle  with  an  evident  black 
blotch  just  back  of  upper  anterior  angle  of  opercle ;  dorsal  and 
caudal  fins  with  dark  bars ;  lining  of  gill-covers  pale. 

intermedius,  p.  217. 

bb.  Anterior  rays  of  dorsal  reaching  to  or  past  succeeding  rays 
when  deflexed;  lower  jaw  ending  in  a  fleshy  point  or  knob; 
shoulder  girdle  without  an  evident  black  blotch;  dorsal  and 
caudal  without  bars. 

c.  Pectoral  fins  short,  reaching  only  slightly  past  base  of  ventrals, 
2.0  to  2.15  in  head;  ventral  fins  long,  only  slightly  shorter  than 
head,  reaching  more  than  half  the  distance  from  their  base  to 
origin  of  anal;  lining  of  gill-covers  pale.  poeyi,  p.  218. 

cc.  Pectoral  fins  long,  reaching  past  base  of  ventrals  to  about  the 
middle  of  these  fins,  1.45  to  1.75  in  head;  ventral  fins  short, 
slightly  shorter  than  postorbital  part  of  head,  reaching  not  more 
than  half  the  distance  from  their  base  to  origin  of  anal ;  lining 
of  gill-covers  dusky.  evermanni,  p.  219. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.  217 

aa.  Scales  small,  57  to  66  in  lateral  series;  lateral  line  without  a 
keel. 

d.  Dorsal  fin  inserted  slightly  nearer  tip  of  snout  than  adipose 
fin;  anal  fin  short,  with  8  or  9  rays,  its  base  contained  2.65 
to  3.0  in  head ;  snout  short  and  rounded,  4.5  to  4.6  in  head. 

lacertinus,  p.  220. 

dd.  Dorsal  fin  inserted  about  midway  between  anterior  margin  of 
eye  and  adipose  fin;  anal  fin  with  10  to  14  rays,  the  base  1.4 
to  2.4  in  head ;  snout  long  and  rather  pointed,  3.1  to  3.8  in  head. 

e.  Anal  fin  with  10  or  u  rays,  rarely  with  12,  the  usual  number 
being  n  ;  head  large,  4.16  (4.05  to  4.3)  in  length. 

•fastens,  p.  220. 

ee.  Anal  with  12  to  14  rays,  rarely  with  only  n,  the  usual  number 
being  13;  head  somewhat  smaller,  4.42  (4.2  to  4.6)  in  length. 

scituliceps,  p.  221. 

155.  Synodus  intermedius  (Agassiz). 

Saurus  intermedius  Agassiz,  in  Spix,  Pise.  Brasil.,  1829,  81   (Brazil). 

Saurus  anolis  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  XXII,  1849, 

483  (Bahia;  Martinique). 
Synodus  intermedius  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI, 

1883,  889;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  535- 

Head  3.6  to  4.2;  depth  7.6  to  8.7;  D.  n  or  12;  A.  10  to  12;  scales 
48  to  52. 

Body  very  elongate,  terete;  head  depressed  above,  slightly  wider 
than  deep;  interorbital  space  notably  concave,  5.4  to  9.0  in  length  of 
head;  snout  short  and  not  very  pointed,  not  protruding,  4  to  4.5  in 
head;  eye  4.5  to  5.6;  lower  jaw  rounded  anteriorly,  not  ending  in  a 
fleshy  knob;  mouth  large,  premaxillaries  reaching  far  past  eye,  1.6 
in  length  of  head;  gill-rakers  minute,  bristle-like;  pseudobranchiae 
large ;  scales  rather  large,  striate,  with  smooth  membranous  border ;  lat- 
eral line  prominent,  with  a  blunt  keel  posteriorly;  dorsal  fin  high,  the 
longest  rays  about  equal  to  length  of  head  without  snout,  the  anterior 
rays  not  reaching  past  the  tips  of  any  of  the  succeeding  rays  when  the 
fin  is  deflexed,  its  outer  margin  slightly  convex,  inserted  slightly  nearer 
tip  of  snout  than  adipose  fin ;  caudal  fin  forked,  as  long  as  head  without 
snout;  anal  fin  low,  its  base  1.5  to  1.8  in  length  of  head;  ventral  fins 
very  long,  equal  to  length  of  head,  reaching  about  three-fifths  of  the 
distance  from  their  base  to  origin  of  anal ;  pectoral  fins  short,  reaching 
to  or  slightly  past  base  of  ventrals,  1.95  to  2.2  in  head. 


218   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Color  brownish  above;  pale  below;  back  and  sides  with  about  8 
cross-bands,  these  occasionally  alternating  with  indistinct  ones;  a 
jet  black  blotch  on  shoulder  girdle,  just  back  of  upper  anterior  angle  of 
opercle;  lining  of  gill-covers  pale;  ventrals  and  anal  pale,  other  fins 
dusky ;  dorsal  and  caudal  with  evident  bars. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us.  It  is  here  described  from 
specimens  from  Florida,  Bermuda  and  Cuba,  ranging  in  length  from 
175  to  280  mm. 

Its  range  extends  from  North  Carolina  to  Brazil. 

156.  Synodus  poeyi  Jordan. 

Synodus  intermedius  Poey,  Enumeratio,  1875,  143   (not  of  Agassiz)  ; 

Meek,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1884,  132  (not  of  Agassiz). 
Synodus  poeyi  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1886,  526  (Havana)  ; 

Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  536. 

Head  3.5  to  3.9;  depth  6.7  to  7.85 ;  D.  10  or  u ;  A.  9  to  n  ;  scales 
43  to  48. 

Body  elongate,  cylindrical ;  head  depressed  above,  wider  than  deep ; 
interorbital  concave,  7.5  to  8.8  in  length  of  head;  snout  short  and 
wide,  quite  as  wide  as  long,  4  to  4.45  in  head ;  eye  3.7  to  4.45 ;  lower 
jaw  slightly  in  advance  of  the  upper,  ending  in  a  very  small  fleshy 
point;  mouth  large,  premaxillaries  reaching  far  past  eye,  1.55  to  1.75 
in  head;  gill-rakers  minute,  bristle-like;  pseudobranchiae  large;  scales 
large,  striate,  with  smooth  membranous  edges;  lateral  line  prominent, 
with  a  slight  keel  posteriorly;  dorsal  fin  rather  high,  its  longest  rays 
equal  to  length  of  head  without  snout;  the  anterior  and  posterior  rays 
coterminal  when  deflexed,  its  anterior  margin  straight,  inserted  about 
midway  between  tip  of  snout  and  adipose  fin ;  caudal  forked,  as  long 
as  head  without  snout;  anal  fin  low,  inserted  posteriorly,  its  base  2.25 
to  2.7  in  head;  ventral  fins  only  slightly  shorter  than  head,  reaching 
notably  more  than  half  the  distance  from  their  base  to  anal;  pectorals 
rather  short,  reaching  only  slightly  past  the  base  of  ventrals,  2.0  to 
2.15  in  head. 

Color  grayish  above;  pale  below;  back  with  about  4  more  or  less 
distinct  cross-bars ;  sides,  along  lateral  line,  with  about  8  dark  blotches ; 
lining  of  gill-covers  mostly  pale ;  shoulder  gridle  without  a  black  blotch ; 
ventrals  and  anal  pale ;  other  fins  more  or  less  dusky,  but  without  trace 
of  bars ;  adipose  fin  mostly  black. 

We  have  16  specimens  of  this  species,  ranging  from  60  to  85  mm. 
in  length.  It  is  closely  related  to  5".  intermedius,  from  which  it  differs 
mainly  in  the  shape  of  the  dorsal  fin  and  in  color. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   219 

Known  heretofore  only  from  Cuba.  Our  specimens  are  from  Fox 
Bay,  Colon ;  and  Porto  Bello. 

157.  Snyodus  evermanni  Jordan  &  Bollman. 

Synodus  evermanni  Jordan  &  Bollman,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1889, 

152  (Panama  Bay,  in  33  fathoms)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S. 

Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  535 ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac. 

Sci.,  IV,  1904,  49  (Panama  Bay). 

Head  3.4  to  3.7;  depth  6.65  to  8.5 ;  D.  10  or  n  ;  A.  10  or  n  ;  scales 
43  to  50. 

Body  very  elongate,  fusiform;  head  depressed  above,  its  width 
equal  to  its  depth;  interorbital  space  slightly  concave,  5.0  to  6.0  in 
length  of  head;  snout  rather  short  and  not  very  pointed,  not  much 
protruding,  if  any,  3.75  to  4.5  in  head;  eye  4  to  5.8;  lower  jaw  ending 
in  a  fleshy  knob;  mouth  large,  the  premaxillaries  reaching  far  past 
eye,  1.55  to  1.7  in  head;  gill-rakers  very  short  and  slender,  bristle-like; 
pseudobranchiae  well  developed;  scales  rather  large,  striate,  with 
smooth  membranous  edges ;  lateral  line  prominent,  posteriorly  with 
a  slight  keel;  dorsal  fin  rather  high,  the  longest  rays  slightly  shorter 
than  postorbital  part  of  head,  the  anterior  rays  reaching  past  the  tips 
of  the  succeeding  rays  when  the  fin  is  deflexed,  outer  margin  of  fin 
slightly  concave,  inserted  somewhat  nearer  the  adipose  fin  than  tip  of 
snout;  caudal  fin  forked,  rather  short,  as  long  as  postorbital  part  of 
head;  anal  fin  posteriorly  placed,  its  base  2.2  to  2.75  in  head;  ventral 
fins  rather  short,  not  quite  as  long  as  postorbital  part  of  head,  reaching 
half  the  distance  from  their  base  to  origin  of  anal ,  pectoral  fins  long, 
reaching  past  base  of  ventrals  to  about  the  middle  of  these  fins,  1.45 
to  1.75  in  head. 

Color  brownish  above ;  pale  below ;  the  body  without  evident  cross- 
bars ;  sides  with  about  8  dark  blotches  along  lateral  line ;  lining  of  gill- 
covers  dusky;  ventrals  and  anal  pale,  other  fins  more  or  less  dusky, 
but  without  bars ;  adipose  fins  and  inner  rays  of  caudal  mostly  black. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us,  but  a  small  specimen,  40  mm. 
in  length,  was  sent  by  Mr.  Robert  Tweedlie.  It  was  also  dredged  in  Pan- 
ama Bay  by  the  Albatross  in  33  fathoms  of  water.  It  is  here  described 
from  12  specimens,  of  the  type  lot,  and  from  4  specimens  dredged  by 
the  Albatross  in  the  Gulf  of  California,  and  the  small  specimen  sent 
by  Mr.  Tweedlie.  It  is  very  closely  related  to  5".  poeyi,  but  its  ventral 
fins  are  shorter,  and  its  pectoral  fins  notably  longer. 

Known  from  Lower  California  to  Panama.  The  specimen  at 
hand  is  from  Chame  Point. 


22O   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

158.  Synodus  lacertinus  Gilbert. 

Synodus  lacertinus  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1890,  55    (Aca- 

pulco)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896, 

536. 

Head  3.65  to  4.1 ;  depth  5.9  to  6.5;  D.  n  or  12;  A.  8  or  9;  scales 
59  to  63. 

Body  slightly  compressed,  deeper  than  wide ;  head  as  wide  as  deep ; 
interorbital  concave,  9.5  to  10  in  head;  snout  rather  short  and  not 
very  pointed,  its  length  equal  to  its  width,  not  protruding,  4.5  to  4.6  in 
head;  eye  5.3  to  6.8;  lower  jaw  without  a  fleshy  knob  at  the  tip;  mouth 
large,  the  premaxillaries  reaching  far  beyond  eye,  1.55  to  1.6  in  head; 
gill-rakers  undeveloped;  pseudobranchiae  large;  scales  rather  small, 
with  membranous  border ;  lateral  line  without  a  keel ;  dorsal  fin  mod- 
erate, the  anterior  rays  not  reaching  past  the  tips  of  the  succeeding 
rays  when  deflexed,  inserted  slightly  nearer  tip  of  snout  than  adipose 
fin;  caudal  forked,  as  long  as  head  without  snout;  anal  fin  posteriorly 
placed,  its  base  2.65  to  3.0  in  head;  ventral  fins  long,  reaching  more 
than  half  the  distance  from  their  base  to  origin  of  anal ;  pectorals  very 
short,  reaching  but  slightly  past  base  of  ventrals,  2.1  to  2.4  in  head. 

Color  dark  brown  above ;  pale  below ;  back  and  sides  with  about  5 
black  cross-bars ;  mandible  below  with  brown  bars ;  lining  of  gill-covers 
pale;  ventrals  and  anal  pale;  dorsal  and  caudal  faintly  barred. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us.  In  the  National  Museum  col- 
lection, however,  occurs  a  specimen,  150  mm.  long,  taken  in  Panama 
by  J.  M.  Dow,  which  we  identify  as  this  species.  This  specimen,  and 
the  type  from  Acapulco,  which  is  also  150  mm.  long,  form  the  basis 
for  the  above  description,  and  are  apparently  the  only  representatives 
of  the  species  that  are  known. 

Known  from  Acapulco  to  Panama. 

159.  Synodus  foetens  (Linnaeus). 

Salmo  fastens  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  XII,  1766,  513  (South 
Carolina) . 

Osmerus  albidus  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1803,  229  (Carolina; 
after  Linnaeus). 

Coregonus  ruber  .Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1803,  263  (Mar- 
tinique; after  Plumier). 

Esox  salmoneus  Mitchill,  Trans.  Lit.  &  Phil.  Soc.  N.  Y.,  I,  1815,  442 
(New  York). 

Saurus  longirostris  Agassiz,  in  Spix,  Pise.  Brasil.,  1829,  PI.  XLIII 
(Brazil). 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.  221 

Saurus   mexicanus   Cuvier,    Regne   Animal,    Ed.    II,    II,    1829,    314 

(Mexico). 

Saurus  spixianus  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1861,  304  (Cuba). 
Saurus  fastens  Gunther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  V,  1864,  396. 
Synodus  spixianus  Poey,  Syn.  Pise.  Cub.,  1868,  141. 
Synodus  fastens  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI,  1883, 

280;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896, 

538,  PI.  LXXXVIII,  fig.  538. 

Head  4.05  o  4.3;  depth  6.8  to  8.7;  D.  10  to  12;  A.  10  to  12;  scales 
58  to  63. 

Body  very  elongate,  fusiform;  head  depressed  above,  wider  than 
deep;  interorbital  space  slightly  concave,  5.2  to  9.2  in  head;  snout 
long  and  pointed,  projecting  beyond  lower  jaw,  3.25  to  3.8  in  head; 
eye  4.7  to  7.7;  mouth  very  large,  the  premaxillary  reaching  far  be- 
yond eye,  1.5  to  1.7  in  head;  gill-rakers  undeveloped;  pseudobranchise 
large;  scales  small,  striate,  with  smooth  membranous  border;  lateral 
line  well  marked,  but  without  a  keel ;  dorsal  fin  high,  inserted  slightly 
nearer  anterior  margin  of  eye  than  adipose  fin;  caudal  fin  forked; 
the  upper  lobe  the  longer;  anal  fin  posteriorly  placed,  its  base  1.6  to 
2.4  in  head;  ventral  fins  long,  usually  about  as  long  as  head  without 
snout,  occasionally  equal  to  length  of  head ;  pectorals  short,  not  reach- 
ing ventrals,  1.95  to  2.35  in  head. 

Color  grayish,  with  more  or  less  greenish  in  life,  above ;  pale  below ; 
the  young  with  more  or  less  distinct  cross-bars  on  back;  anal  and 
ventrals  pale;  other  fins  more  or  less  dusky. 

The  present  collection  contains  31  specimens  of  this  species,  rang- 
ing from  55  to  300  mm.  in  length. 

Known  from  Cape  Cod  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are  from  Fox 
Bay,  Colon ;  Colon  market ;  and  Mindi  Cut. 

160.  Synodus  scituliceps  Jordan  &  Gilbert. 

Synodus  scituliceps  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1881, 

344    (Mazatlan)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,   Bull.   U.    S.   Nat.   Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  537;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  50  (Panama  Bay). 
Synodus  jenkinsi  Jordan  &  Bollman,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1889,  153 

(Panama  Bay;  Galapagos  Islands). 

Head  4.2  to  4.6;  depth  7.0  to  9.5 ;  D.  10  or  u  ;  A.  u  to  14;  scales 
57  to  66. 

Body  elongate,  terete;  head  depressed  above,  wider  than  deep; 
interorbital  space  slightly  concave,  5.4  to  12  in  length  of  head;  snout 


222   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

long  and  narrow,  projecting  beyond  lower  jaw,  3.1  to  3.6  in  head; 
eye  3.8  to  7.25 ;  mouth  very  large,  the  premaxillary  reaching  much 
beyond  eye,  1.4  to  1.65  in  head;  gill-rakers  undeveloped;  pseudo- 
branchiae  large;  scales  small,  striate,  with  membranous  border;  lateral 
line  well  marked,  but  without  a  keel;  dorsal  fin  high,  inserted  about 
midway  between  anterior  margin  of  eye  and  adipose  fin;  caudal  fin 
forked,  the  upper  lobe  slightly  the  longer;  anal  fin  rather  low,  pos- 
teriorly placed,  its  base  1.4  to  2.0  in  head;  ventral  fins  rather  long, 
usually  about  as  long  as  head  without  snout;  pectorals  rather  short, 
not  reaching  base  of  ventrals,  1.75  to  2.15  in  head. 

Color  grayish  above,  pale  below;  young  with  more  or  less  dis- 
tinct cross-bars  on  back;  anal  and  ventrals  pale;  other  fins  more  or 
less  dusky. 

This  species  is  represented  by  38  specimens  in  the  present  col- 
lection, which  range  in  length  from  45  to  415  mm.  It  is  very  closely 
related  to  S.  fastens,  from  which  it  can  scarcely  be  separated.  The 
anal  fin  is,  however,  slightly  longer,  its  usual  number  of  rays  being  13, 
rarely  with  only  n.  The  usual  number  for  fastens  is  u,  rarely  with 
12.  The  head  in  the  former  is  slightly  smaller.  In  a  series  of  8  speci- 
mens the  average  length  of  head  in  body  is  4.42-]-.  In  a  series  of  8 
of  like  size  of  fastens  it  is  4.16-}-. 

Known  from  the  Gulf  of  California  to  the  Galapagos  Islands. 
Our  specimens  are  from  Chame  Point,  Taboga  Island,  Balboa  and 
Panama  market. 

63.  Genus  Trachinocephalus  Gill. 

Trachinocephalus  Gill,   Proc.  Ac.    Nat.   Sci.   Phila.,    1861,   53    (type 
Saurus  myops  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes ;  name  only ;   first  defined 
by  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1890,  314). 
Closely   related   to   Synodus.     Body   stout   and    somewhat   com- 
pressed; head  short,  blunt  and  compressed;  snout  shorter  than  eye; 
vent  well  forward,  under  tip  of  last  dorsal  ray. 

161.  Trachinocephalus  myops   (Forster). 

Salmo  myops  Forster,  MS.,  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801,  421 
(St.  Helena). 

Osmerus  lemniscatus  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1803,  236  (Mar- 
tinique; after  Plumier). 

Saurus  truncatus  Agassiz,  in  Spix,  Pise.  Brasil.,  1829,  82  (Brazil). 

f Salmo  trachinus  Schlegel,  Fauna  Japon.,  Poiss.,  1842,  231  (Japan). 

fSaurus  limbatus  Eydoux  &  Souleyet,  Voy.  Bonito,  Poiss.,  1853,  199. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   223 

Saurus  brevirostris  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1861,  305  (Cuba). 
Trachinocephalus  myops  Gill,  Proc.  Ae.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  Supplement, 

1861,  53  (name  only) ;  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat  Mus.,  1890,  314; 

Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  533,  PI. 

LXXXVIII,  fig.  235. 

Saurus  myops  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  V,  1864,  398. 
Synodus  myops  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI,  1883, 

281. 

Head  3.4  to  4.1 ;  depth  5.0  to  575 ;  D.  n  to  14;  A.  13  to  16;  scales 
51  to  56. 

Body  slightly  compressed;  head  compressed,  rough  above;  inter- 
orbital  space  narrow,  deeply  concave,  8.9  to  n.o  in  length  of  head; 
snout  very  short  and  blunt,  shorter  than  eye,  7.1  to  n  in  head;  eye 
4.35  to  6.5;  mouth  large,  terminal;  premaxillary  long,  reaching  nearly 
to  margin  of  preopercle,  1.6  to  1.8  in  head;  gill-rakers  minute,  spine- 
like  ;  pseudobranchiae  large ;  scales  with  smooth  membranous  edges,  their 
surface  rough,  more  or  less  striate;  lateral  line  prominent,  with  a 
slight  keel  posteriorly;  dorsal  fin  rather  high,  inserted  slightly  nearer 
tip  of  snout  than  adipose  fin;  caudal  fin  rather  long,  deeply  forked; 
anal  low  and  long,  its  base  i.o  to  1.25  in  head;  ventrals  very  long, 
nearly  equal  to  length  of  head;  pectorals  short,  reaching  only  slightly 
past  base  of  ventrals,  1.9  to  2.4  in  head. 

Color  brownish  above ;  pale  below ;  sides  with  yellowish  and  brown 
stripes,  the  upper  ones  often  more  or  less  wavy;  top  of  head  vermic- 
ulate;  shoulder  girdle  with  a  large  black  blotch  at  upper  anterior  angle 
of  opercle;  a  dark  band  from  eyes  across  lower  jaw;  fins  mostly  plain; 
the  dorsal  with  more  or  less  distinct  spots  at  base. 

This  widely  distributed  species  was  not  taken  by  us.  The  above 
description  is  based  on  specimens  from  Massachusetts,  Florida,  Cuba, 
Hawaiian  Islands,  Japan  and  Philippine  Islands. 

Widely  distributed  throughout  the  tropical  seas. 


Order  XI.     Synentognathi. 

Family  XXX.    Belonidae. 

THE  NEEDLEFISHES. 

Body  very  elongate,  slender,  compressed  or  not;  both  jaws  pro- 
duced into  a  beak,  the  lower  one  the  longer;  maxillary  united  to  the 
premaxillaries ;  each  jaw  provided  with  a  band  of  small,  short,  pointed 


224   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

teeth,  and  a  series  of  enlarged  rather  wide  set  teeth;  scales  small; 
lateral  line  low,  running  as  a  fold  along  side  of  belly;  dorsal  fin 
opposite  the  anal,  both  rather  long;  no  finlets.  Air  bladder  present. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA. 

a.  Body  moderately  compressed;  the  depth  not  greatly  exceeding 
width.  Tylosurus,  p.  224. 

aa.  Body  very  strongly  compressed,  more  or  less  ribbon-shaped, 
the  depth  more  than  twice  the  width.  Ablennes,  p.  231. 

64.  Genus  Tylosurus  Cocco. 

Tylosurus  Cocco,   Giorn.    Sci.   Lett.   Arti    Sicilia,   XLII,    1833,   No. 

124  (type  Tylosurus  cantraini  Cocco=Esox  imperialis  Rafinesque). 

Body  very  elongate,  not  much  compressed ;  dorsal  and  anal  elevated 
anteriorly,  falcate;  gill-rakers  obsolete.  Other  characters  included 
in  family  description. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Ventral  fins  well  developed,  nearly  or  quite  as  long  as  the 
pectorals ;  dorsal  fin  slightly  longer  than  the  anal,  with  19  to  24 
rays. 

b.  Jaws  very  strong,  not  fragile,  and  rather  shorter  than  in  re- 
lated species;  snout  1.6  to  1.7  in  head;  enlarged  series  of  teeth 
in  jaws  very  strong,  notably  compressed,  with  sharp  cutting 
edges.  fodiator,  p.  225. 

bb.  Jaws  more  slender,  fragile,  and  rather  longer ;  snout  1.4  to  1.6  in 
head;  enlarged  teeth  in  jaws  notably  weaker,  little  if  at  all 
compressed. 

c.  Enlarged  series  of  teeth  moderate,  little  compressed,  with  sharp 
cutting  edges;  opercles  with  scales  on  anterior  margin;  dorsal 
fin  inserted  directly  over  origin  of  anal.          raphidoma,  p.  226. 

cc.  Enlarged  series  of  teeth  slender  and  very  pointed,  not  com- 
pressed; opercles  entirely  naked;  dorsal  fins  inserted  slightly 
behind  origin  of  anal.  pacificus,  p.  227. 

aa.  Ventral  fins  small,  never  much  more  than  half  the  length  of 
pectorals;  dorsal  fin  slightly  shorter  than  the  anal,  with  14  to 
1 6  rays. 

d.  The  strongly  depressed  caudal  peduncle  with  a  prominent  keel 
in  lateral  line;  snout  very  long  and  slender,  1.2  to  1.4  in  head. 

stolsmanni,  p.  228. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   225 

dd.  Caudal  peduncle  very  little,  if  at  all,  depressed,  without  an 
evident  keel;  snout  shorter,  1.43  to  1.55  in  head. 

e.  Opercles  almost  completely  covered  with  scales;  dorsal  with 
15  or  1 6  rays;  ventral  fins  moderate,  a  little  more  than  half 
the  length  of  pectorals;  no  black  spot  above  base  of  pectorals. 

tiftiucu,  p.  229. 

ee.  Opercles  with  the  lower  half  mostly  naked;  dorsal  fin  with  14 
rays ;  ventral  fins  very  short,  scarcely  more  than  a  third  the 
length  of  pectorals;  an  evident  black  spot  above  base  of  pec- 
torals, scapularis,  p.  230. 

162.  Tylosurus  fodiator  Jordan  &  Gilbert. 

Tylosurus  fodiator  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1881,  459 

(Mazatlan)  ;  Jordan  &  Fordice,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1886,  353; 

Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  715; 

Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  52. 

Head  3.25  to  3.5 ;  depth  14.7  to  25,  or  4.5  to  7.7  in  head ;  D.  19  to 
22;  A.  16  to  20. 

Body  very  elongate,  nearly  cylindrical,  as  wide  as  deep;  head 
depressed  above,  more  or  less  quadrate,  the  middle  of  upper  surface 
with  a  broad,  shallow,  longitudinal  groove,  the  surface  striate  at  sides, 
forming  a  prominent  ridge  above  the  eyes ;  snout  very  strong,  shorter 
than  in  related  species,  its  length  1.55  to  1.65  in  head;  eye  8.6  to  H-55 
interorbital  space  rather  broad,  1.55  to  1.85  in  postorbital  part  of 
head;  the  enlarged  teeth  in  the  jaws  strong,  compressed,  with  sharp 
cutting  edges;  scales  very  small,  about  450  in  a  lateral  series;  cheeks 
fully  scaled;  opercles  and  top  of  head  nearly  or  entirely  naked; 
lateral  line  posteriorly  with  a  low  dermal  keel ;  dorsal  fin  inserted  over 
or  slightly  in  advance  of  anal,  the  anterior  rays  elevated  in  adult, 
nearly  as  long  as  pectorals,  the  posterior  rays  very  short ;  in  the  young 
the  posterior  rays  are  higher  than  the  anterior  ones;  caudal  lunate, 
the  lower  lobe  the  longer ;  anal  similar  to  dorsal,  but  the  posterior  rays 
not  produced  in  young;  ventral  fins  well  developed,  only  slightly 
shorter  than  pectorals,  inserted  about  midway  between  middle  of  eye 
and  base  of  caudal;  pectorals  moderate,  3.6  to  4.4  in  head. 

Color  of  adult  greenish  above ;  silvery  below ;  middle  line  of  back 
somewhat  darker ;  anal  fin  pale ;  all  other  fins  with  more  or  less  dusky ; 
young  dark  green  above;  black  below;  posterior  rays  of  dorsal  and 
base  of  caudal  black;  fins  otherwise  mostly  pale. 

Of  this  species  there  are  56  small  specimens,  ranging  from  30  to 
115  mm.  in  length,  in  the  present  collection.  The  above  description 


226   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

is  based  on  these  and  2  type  specimens,  985  and  880  mm.  in  length,  from 
Mazatlan.  It  is  readily  distinguished  from  other  species  of  this  genus 
by  the  strong  jaws. 

Known  from  Mazatlan  south  to  Panama.  Our  specimens  are  from 
Chame  Point  and  Taboga  Islands. 

163.  Tylosurus  raphidoma  (Ranzani). 

Belone  raphidoma  Ranzani,  Novi  Comment.  Ac.  Sci.  Inst.  Bonon.,  V, 

1842,  359,  PI.  XXXVII,  fig.  i  (Brazil) ;  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit. 

Mus.,  VI,  1866,  249. 
Belone  gerania  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  XVIII,  1846, 

437  (Martinique)  ;  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  VI,  1866,  241. 
Belone  crassa  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1861,  291  (Cuba). 
Belone  melanochira  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1861,  294  (Havana). 
Tylosurus  gladius  Bean,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882,  430  (Pensacola, 

Fla.) ;  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI,  1883,  901. 
Tylosurus  crassus  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1884,  112. 
Tylosurus  raphidoma  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1886,  35 ;  Jordan 

&  Fordice,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1886,  353;  Jordan  &  Evermann, 

Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  715,  PI.  CXVI,  fig.  308. 

Head  2.9  to  3.35;  depth  13.3  to  18,  or  4.35  to  5.8  in  head;  D.  22 
to  24 ;  A.  20  to  22. 

Body  elongate,  slender,  slightly  compressed,  becoming  more  robust 
with  age;  head  flat  above,  somewhat  quadrate,  a  little  deeper  than 
wide,  middle  of  upper  surface  with  a  very  shallow  groove,  the  sides 
weakly  striate,  forming  a  low  ridge  over  eyes;  snout  of  moderate 
length,  rather  strong,  but  tapering  rapidly,  its  length  1 .4  to  1 .6  in  head ; 
eye  8.0  to  9.1 ;  interorbital  space  rather  wide,  1.4  to  1.64  in  postorbital 
part  of  head;  teeth  in  the  jaws  moderate,  the  enlarged  series  slightly 
compressed,  with  sharp  cutting  edges ;  scales  very  small,  about  350  in 
a  lateral  series;  cheeks  fully  scaled;  opercle  with  scales  on  anterior 
margin  only;  upper  surface  of  head  with  few  scattered  scales;  lateral 
line  forming  a  low  dermal  keel  on  caudal  peduncle ;  dorsal  fin  inserted 
directly  over  the  origin  of  the  anal,  elevated  anteriorly,  the  longest  ray 
not  much  shorter  than  pectorals,  the  posterior  rays  short  in  adult,  but 
long  in  the  young;  caudal  fin  deeply  concave,  the  lower  lobe  much  the 
longer ;  anal  similar  to  dorsal ;  ventral  fins  large,  as  long  as  the  pec- 
torals, inserted  about  midway  between  anterior  margin  of  eyes  and 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   227 

base  of  caudal;  pectorals  rather  long,  slightly  longer  than  postorbital 
part  of  head,  3.46  to  4.15  in  length  of  head. 

Color  dark  green  above,  sides  and  below  silvery;  middle  of  back 
with  a  darker  band,  with  a  narrow  black  line  on  each  side;  sides 
with  an  indistinct,  dark,  silvery  band ;  dermal  keel  on  caudal  peduncle 
black;  fins  all  with  more  or  less  dusky;  the  dorsal  fin  usually  mostly 
black;  distal  third  of  pectorals  black. 

Of  this  species  there  are  21  specimens,  ranging  from  245  to  485 
mm.  in  length,  in  the  present  collection. 

Known  from  North  Carolina  south  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are 
from  Mindi  Cut;  Colon  Reef;  Fox  Bay,  Colon;  Colon  market,  and 
Porto  Bello. 

164.     Tylosurus  pacificus  (Steindachner). 

B clone  pacifica  Steindachner,    (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien,  LXXII) 

Ichth.  Beitr.,  Ill,  1875,  65  (Panama;  Acapulco). 
Tylosurus  pacificus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882, 

624 ;  Jordan  &  Fordice,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1886,  355 ;  Jordan 

&  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  716;  Gilbert  & 

Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  52  (Panama  Bay). 

Head  3.4;  depth  12.7,  or  3.8  in  head;  D.  23;  A.  21. 

Body  very  elongate,  nearly  cylindrical,  almost  as  wide  as  deep, 
heaviest  in  front  of  ventrals,  from  thence  tapering  in  both  directions ; 
head  rather  low,  more  or  less  quadrate,  the  middle  of  upper  surface 
with  a  rather  narrow  but  prominent  groove ;  striate  at  sides,  the  ridge 
over  eyes  not  very  prominent;  snout  slender,  its  length  1.55  in  head; 
eye  9.3;  interorbital  space  of  moderate  width,  1.85  in  postorbital  part 
of  head;  teeth  in  the  jaws  very  weak,  small  and  pointed;  scales  very 
small,  about  400  in  a  lateral  series;  cheeks  scaly;  opercles  and  upper 
surface  of  head  naked;  lateral  line  forming  a  slight  keel  posteriorly; 
dorsal  fin  inserted  slightly  behind  the  origin  of  the  anal,  the  anterior 
rays  moderately  elevated,  nearly  as  long  as  the  pectorals,  the  posterior 
rays  very  short;  caudal  fin  deeply  lunate,  the  lower  lobe  the  longer; 
anal  similar  to  dorsal ;  ventral  fins  only  slightly  shorter  than  pectorals, 
inserted  about  midway  between  base  of  caudal  and  middle  of  eye ;  pec- 
torals moderate,  3.9  in  head. 

Color  in  alcohol  dark  brown  above;  sides  and  below  silvery; 
median  line  of  back  slightly  darker;  a  slight  trace  of  a  lateral  band 
anteriorly ;  dermal  keel  on  caudal  peduncle  black ;  anal  fin  mostly  pale ; 
all  the  other  fins  with  more  or  less  dusky. 


228   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Of  this  species  we  have  but  a  single  specimen,  665  mm.  in  length. 
It  is  distinguished  from  related  species  by  the  very  small  teeth. 

Known  from  Acapulco  to  Panama.  Our  specimen  was  purchased 
in  the  Panama  City  market. 

165.     Tylosurus  stolzmanni  (Steindachner). 

Belone  stolzmanni  Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien,  LXXVIII) 

Ichth.  Beitr.,  VII,  1878,  21  (Tumbez,  Peru). 
Tylosurus  sierrita  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1881,  458 

(Mazatlan). 

Tylosurus  stolzmanni  Jordan  &  Fordice,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1886, 
349;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896, 
713;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  52  (Pan- 
ama Bay)  ;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool., 
XXXV,  1912,  84. 

Head  2.65  to  3.0;  depth  22  to  25,  or  7.7  to  8.6  in  head;  D.  14  or 
15;  A.  17  to  19. 

Body  slender,  very  slightly  compressed;  head  flat  above,  more  or 
less  quadrate,  the  middle  of  the  upper  surface  with  a  rather  prominent 
longitudinal  groove,  becoming  very  broad  and  shallow  in  front  of 
eyes,  striate  laterally,  forming  a  rather  prominent  ridge  above  eyes; 
snout  very  long  and  slender,  usually  broken  in  preserved  specimens, 
its  length  1.2  to  1.4  in  head;  eye  12.7  to  14.8;  interorbital  space  rather 
narrow,  2.4  to  3.3  in  postorbital  part  of  head ;  teeth  in  the  jaws  mod- 
erate, the  enlarged  ones  little,  if  at  all,  compressed,  very  sharply 
pointed ;  scales  small,  about  325  in  a  lateral  series ;  cheeks  fully  scaled, 
also  the  upper  two-thirds  of  opercles;  the  groove  in  upper  surface  of 
head  scaly,  the  rest  of  upper  surface  mostly  naked ;  lateral  line  forming  a 
rather  prominent  dermal  keel  on  the  depressed  caudal  peduncle ;  dor- 
sal fin  inserted  notably  behind  origin  of  anal,  elevated  anteriorly,  but 
the  longest  rays  shorter  than  pectorals,  the  posterior  rays  very  low; 
caudal  fin  concave,  the  lower  lobe  the  longer;  anal  fin  similar  to  dor- 
sal in  shape,  but  larger;  ventral  fins  rather  short,  only  a  little  more 
than  half  the  length  of  pectorals,  usually  inserted  slightly  nearer  base 
of  caudal  than  posterior  margin  of  eye,  sometimes  midway  between 
margin  of  preopercle  and  base  of  caudal ;  pectoral  fins  rather  long,  as 
long  as  postorbital  part  of  head,  5.5  to  6.6  in  head. 

Color  dark  green  above,  sides  and  below  pale  silvery;  a  dark  band 
on  median  line  of  back  with  a  narrow  dark  line  on  each  side,  these  most 
distinct  in  young;  a  dark  lateral  band  extends  from  upper  angle  of 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   229 

gill-opening  to  base  of  caudal;  ventral  fins  pale;  other  fins  with  more 
or  less  dusky;  distal  half  of  pectorals  black. 

Of  this  species  there  are  only  4  specimens,  ranging  from  50  to  400 
mm.  in  length,  in  the  present  collection.  We  also  examined  a  large 
specimen,  700  mm.  in  length,  from  Wreck  Bay,  Chatam  Island. 

Ranging  from  Guaymas  south  to  Peru.  Our  specimens  are  from 
Chame  Point  and  Taboga  Island. 

166.  Tylosurus  timucu  (Walbaum). 

Esox  timucu  Walbaum,  Artedi  Piscium,  III,  1792,  88  (Brazil). 
Belone  subtruncata  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1861,  295  (Havana). 
Belone  depressa  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1861,  296  (Havana). 
Tylosurus  sagitta  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1884,  25 

(Key  West). 
Tylosurus  subtruncatus  Jordan  &  Fordice,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

1886,  346. 
Tylosurus  timucu  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  711. 

Head  2.5  to  3.1 ;  depth  15.5  to  20,  or  5.0  to  7.9  in  head;  D.  15  or 
16;  A.  16  to  18. 

Body  very  elongate,  slender,  nearly  as  wide  as  deep,  becoming 
more  robust  with  age ;  head  flat  above,  considerably  deeper  than  wide, 
the  middle  of  upper  surface  with  a  rather  deep  groove,  rising  to  level 
of  head  about  an  orbit's  diameter  back  of  eyes,  the  side  striate,  with 
a  rather  prominent  ridge  over  eyes  to  upper  angle  of  gill-opening; 
snout  very  long  and  slender,  its  length  1.45  to  1.55;  eye  10.5  to  13.4; 
interorbital  space  rather  narrow,  2.35  to  2.75  in  postorbital  part  of  head ; 
teeth  in  the  jaws  rather  small,  the  enlarged  series  not  compressed,  very 
sharply  pointed;  scales  small,  about  225  in  a  lateral  series;  cheeks 
and  opercles  completely  scaled ;  groove  in  upper  surface  of  head  scaly, 
the  rest  of  the  surface  mostly  naked;  lateral  line  forming  a  slight 
keel  on  caudal  peduncle  in  adult,  not  evident  in  young;  dorsal  fin  in- 
serted a  little  behind  origin  of  anal,  elevated  anteriorly,  the  longest 
rays  only  slightly  shorter  than  pectorals,  the  posterior  rays  apparently 
not  produced  in  young ;  caudal  fin  moderately  concave,  the  lower  lobe 
the  larger;  anal  similar  to  the  dorsal,  but  slightly  larger;  ventral  fins 
small,  only  a  little  more  than  half  the  length  of  pectorals,  inserted  a 
little  nearer  margin  of  preopercle  than  base  of  caudal;  pectoral  fins 
rather  long,  a  little  longer  than  postorbital  part  of  head,  3.95  to  4.8 
in  length  of  head. 


230   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Color  dull  greenish  above;  pale  silvery  below;  middle  of  back 
with  a  dark  band  with  a  narrow  black  line  at  each  side;  sides  with  a 
dark  silvery  band,  this  most  conspicuous  in  young ;  no  black  blotch  above 
base  of  pectorals;  fins  mostly  pale  in  young,  sometimes  with  only  a 
dusky  margin  on  dorsal  and  caudal,  more  dusky  in  adult;  the  distal 
portion  of  pectorals  black. 

There  are  17  specimens  of  this  species,  ranging  from  155  to  525 
mm.  in  length,  in  the  present  collection. 

Ranging  from  Florida  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are  from  Fox 
Bay,  Colon ;  Colon  market ;  and  Porto  Bello. 

167.  Tylosurus  scapularis  Jordan  &  Gilbert. 

Tylosurus  scapularis  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish.  Comm.,  I,  1881 

(1882),  307  (Panama)  ;  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1885,  370; 

Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  711; 

Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  51  (Miraflores)  ; 

Starks,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat  Mus.,  1906,  782,  fig.  7. 
Tylosurus  subtruncatus  (misprint  for  T.  scapularis)   Jordan  &  For- 

dice,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1886,  346. 

Head  2.7  to  2.87 ;  depth  14.5  to  23,  or  5.5  to  8.4  in  head ;  D.  14 ; 
A.  15  to  17. 

Body  long  and  slender,  becoming  more  robust  with  age,  quite  as 
wide  as  deep;  head  depressed  above,  a  little  deeper  than  wide,  the 
middle  of  upper  surface  with  a  deep  groove  rising  to  the  level  of  head 
a  short  distance  back  of  eyes ;  a  prominent  ridge  from  eye  to  upper 
angle  of  opercle;  snout  long  and  slender,  its  length  1.43  to  1.53;  eye 
12.4  to  13.7;  interorbital  space  rather  narrow,  2.75  to  3.05  in  post- 
orbital  part  of  head;  teeth  in  the  jaws  moderate,  the  enlarged  series 
little,  if  at  all,  compressed,  very  sharply  pointed;  scales  small,  about 
275  in  a  lateral  series ;  cheeks  fully  scaled ;  opercles  nearly  or  entirely 
naked  on  lower  half;  grooved  portions  of  upper  surface  of  head  cov- 
ered with  scales,  the  rest  of  the  surface  naked ;  lateral  line  not  form- 
ing a  keel  on  caudal  peduncle;  dorsal  fin  inserted  a  short  distance 
behind  the  origin  of  the  anal,  the  anterior  rays  not  greatly  elevated, 
shorter  than  the  pectorals ;  caudal  fin  only  slightly  concave,  the  lower 
lobe  notably  longer ;  anal  similar  to  dorsal  in  form,  but  larger,  the  rays 
longer ;  ventral  fins  very  small,  only  slightly  more  than  a  third  the  length 
of  pectorals,  inserted  a  little  nearer  base  of  caudal  than  posterior  mar- 
gin of  eyes;  pectorals  rather  small,  shorter  than  postorbital  part  of 
head,  4.0  to  4.75  in  head. 

Color  greenish  brown  above,  sides  and  below  with  numerous  brown 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   231 

dots;  middle  of  back  with  3  parallel  dark  lines;  sides  with  a  silvery 
band,  rather  indistinct  in  largest  specimens ;  an  evident  black  spot  above 
base  of  pectorals;  pectoral  and  ventral  fins  usually  pale,  occasionally 
with  a  few  dusky  points ;  other  fins  all  more  or  less  dusky. 

Of  this  species  there  are  14  specimens,  ranging  from  160  to  390 
mm.  in  length,  in  the  present  collection. 

Known  only  from  Panama.  Our  specimens  are  from  tide 
streams,  Balboa;  and  Panama  Bay,  Balboa.  Common  in  the  tide 
streams  about  Balboa,  but  difficult  to  catch,  as  it  usually  manages, 
either  to  go  through,  or  over,  the  net. 

65.  Genus  Ablennes  Jordan  &  Fordice. 

Athlennes  Jordan  &  Fordice,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1886,  342  (type 

Belone  hians  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 
Ablennes  Int.  Comm.  Zool.  Nomenc.,  Smiths.  Pub.  2060,  1912,  Opinion 

41,  94  (Revised  spelling). 

This  genus  differs  from  Tylosurus  principally  in  the  greatly  com- 
pressed body. 

168.  Ablennes  hians  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Belone  hians  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  XVIII,  1846, 

432,  PI.  DXLVIII  (Havana;  Bahia). 
Belone  maculata  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1861,  290  (Havana). 
Tylosurus  hians  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI,  1883, 

373  &  901. 
Athlennes  hians  Jordan  &   Fordice,   Proc.  U.   S.   Nat.   Mus.,    1886, 

342;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896, 

718.   " 

Head  2.9  to  3.6;  depth  13  to  19.7;  D.  23  to  25;  A.  25  to  27. 

Body  very  strongly  compressed,  the  width  notably  less  than  half 
the  depth ;  head  compressed,  flat  above,  much  deeper  than  wide,  middle 
of  upper  surface  with  a  broad,  shallow,  longitudinal  groove;  snout 
long,  slender,  very  fragile,  its  length  1.32  to  1.54  in  head;  eye  8.8  to 
12.3 ;  interorbital  space  moderate,  1.9  to  2.5  in  postorbital  part  of  head ; 
teeth  in  the  jaws  rather  small,  the  enlarged  series  round  and  sharply 
pointed ;  scales  very  small,  about  420  in  a  lateral  series ;  cheeks  with  a 
patch  of  scales;  opercles  naked;  upper  surface  of  head  naked,  except 
for  a  few  scales  in  anterior  portion  of  the  shallow  depression;  lateral 
line  running  very  low,  on  edge  of  abdomen,  without  evident  dermal 
keel  on  caudal  peduncle;  dorsal  fin  inserted  a  little  behind  the  origin 


232   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

of  the  anal,  notably  elevated  anteriorly  in  adult,  little  elevated  in 
young,  but  with  the  posterior  rays  notably  produced,  much  longer  than 
the  anterior  ones;  caudal  fin  deeply  concave,  the  lower  lobe  slightly 
the  larger;  anal  fin  similar  to  the  dorsal,  but  with  the  posterior  rays 
short  at  all  ages;  ventral  fins  moderate,  inserted  a  little  nearer  the 
anterior  margin  of  eye  than  the  base  of  caudal;  pectorals  propor- 
tionately much  longer  in  adult  than  in  young,  as  long  as  postorbital 
part  of  head  in  young,  nearly  twice  the  length  of  postorbital  part  of 
head  in  large  specimens,  2.5  to  5.5  in  head. 

Color  in  life  grassy  green  above;  sides  and  below  clear  silvery; 
snout  dark  green,  its  bones  the  color  of  old  brass;  about  15  black  bars 
on  sides,  these  most  distinct  in  young;  dorsal  fin  anteriorly  green  in 
young,  becoming  wholly  black  with  age;  caudal  fin  mostly  green  in 
young,  largely  black  in  adult;  other  fins  all  pale  in  young,  partly  or 
wholly  black  in  adult. 

This  species  was  not  taken  on  the  coast  of  Panama  by  us,  but  it  is 
here  included  because  it  comes  within  the  range  of  the  present  work. 
The  above  description  is  based  on  specimens  from  Beaufort,  North 
Carolina,  ranging  in  length  from  160  to  755  mm. 

Known  from  Massachusetts  south  to  Brazil;  also  recorded  from 
Cape  Verde  Islands. 

Family  XXXI.    Hemirhamphidae. 

Body  elongate,  more  or  less  compressed;  upper  jaw  short;  lower 
jaw  various,  sometimes  much  produced,  the  produced  portion  some- 
times equal  to  or  longer  than  the  rest  of  head;  teeth  short,  usually 
tricuspid,  in  more  or  less  definite  bands  in  each  jaw,  fitting  against 
each  other ;  gill-rakers  long  or  short ;  scales  rather  large,  cycloid,  usu- 
ally more  or  less  deciduous ;  anal  fin  modified  in  the  viviparous  species, 
unmodified  in  the  others,  and  usually  similar  to  the  dorsal ;  no  finlets ; 
caudal  fin  rounded  or  forked,  if  forked  the  lower  lobe  the  larger. 
"Third  upper  pharyngeal  on  each  side  much  enlarged,  solidly  united 
with  its  fellow  to  form  an  oval  plate,  with  slightly  convex  surface  and 
covered  with  blunt  tricuspid  teeth ;  this  is  about  as  large  as  the  united 
lower  pharyngeals  and  fits  into  the  cavity  of  the  latter;  fourth  upper 
pharyngeal  wanting  or  grown  fast  to  the  third ;  lower  pharyngeal  large, 
thick,  triangular,  with  concave  surface.  Vertebrae  about  50.  (Char- 
acters verified  in  Hemirhamphus  browni,  Hyporhamphus  roberti  and 
Chriodorus  atherinoides) ."  (Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
XLVII,  1896,  p.  718.) 


DEC.  20,  1923.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.  233 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA. 

a.  Lower  jaw  much  produced,  beak-like,  usually  about  as  long  as 
rest  of  head. 

b.  Air  bladder  divided  into  compartments,  cellular;  sides  of  body 
vertical;  dorsal  fin  inserted  in  advance  of  anal  and  slightly 
longer,  its  last  ray  a  little  produced;  ventral  fins  inserted  far 
backward,  very  much  nearer  base  of  caudal  than  gill-opening. 

Hemirhamphus,  p.  233. 

bb.  Air  bladder  simple;  sides  of  body  not  quite  vertical,  more  or 
less  convex;  dorsal  and  anal  opposite  each  other,  the  former 
slightly  shorter  than  the  latter,  its  last  ray  not  produced ;  ven- 
tral fins  inserted  well  forward,  usually  at  a  point  about  mid- 
way between  base  of  caudal  and  gill-opening. 

Hyporhamphus,  p.  236. 

66.  Genus  Hemirhamphus  Cuvier. 

Hemir-Hamphus  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  I,  II,  1817,  186   (type 

Esox  brasiliensis  Linnaeus). 

Body  rather  robust;  the  sides  vertical  and  parallel;  head  low,  de- 
pressed above ;  lower  jaw  much  produced,  usually  longer  than  rest  of 
head;  air  bladder  divided  into  many  compartments,  cellular;  dorsal 
fin  a  little  longer  than  the  anal,  its  insertion  in  advance  of  that  of  the 
anal,  the  last  ray  a  little  produced ;  ventral  fins  small,  and  inserted  far 
backward,  very  much  nearer  the  base  of  caudal  than  gill-opening;  the 
distance  from  tip  of  upper  jaw  to  origin  of  ventrals  usually  nearly  twice 
the  distance  from  their  origin  to  base  of  caudal. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Pectoral  fins  of  moderate  length,  5.9  to  6.8  in  length  of  body 
measured  from  tip  of  upper  jaw  to  base  of  caudal;  ventral 
fins  inserted  at  a  point  half  as  far  from  base  of  caudal  as  from 
tip  of  upper  jaw;  gill-rakers  short,  21  to  24  on  lower  limb  of 
first  arch ;  scales  53  to  57.  brasiliensis,  p.  234. 

aa.  Pectorals  fins  long,  4.85  to  5.5  in  length  of  body;  ventral  fins 
more  anteriorly  placed,  inserted  at  a  point  more  than  half  as 
far  from  base  of  caudal  as  from  tip  of  upper  jaw;  gill-rakers 
longer,  26  to  27  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  56  to  61. 

saltator,  p.  235. 


234   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

169.  Hemirhamphus  brasiliensis  (Linnaeus). 

Esox  brasiliensis  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  314  (Jamaica). 

Hemirhamphus  marginatus  Le  Sueur,  Journ.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  II, 

1821,  135  (Lesser  Antilles;  not  of  Forskal). 
Hemirhamphus  brownii   Cuvier   &  Valenciennes,   Hist.   Nat.   Poiss., 

XIX,  1846,  13  (Guadaloupe;  Martinique). 
Hemirhamphus  pleii  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  XIX, 

1846,  21   (Martinique;  San  Domingo). 
Macrognathus  brevirostris  Gronow,  Cat.   Fish,   1854,   148    (Jamaica; 

after  Browne). 

Hemirhamphus  filamentosus  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1861,  297  (Cuba). 
Hemirhamphus  pleii  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  VI,  1866,  269; 

Meek  &  Goss,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat  Sci.  Phila.,  1884,  224. 
Hemirhamphus  brasiliensis  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  VI,  1866, 

270;    Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI,  1883,  902; 

Jordan  &  Evermann   (in  part),  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  722;  Evermann  &  Marsh,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XX,  Pt.  I, 

1900  (1902),  102,  fig.  19. 

Head*  4.35  to  4.63;  depth  5.45  to  6.35;  D.  13  or  14;  A.  n  to  13; 
scales  53  to  57. 

Body  elongate,  compressed,  the  sides  vertical;  dorsal  and  ventral 
outlines  about  evenly  curved;  head  rather  low;  the  mandible  much 
produced,  from  tip  of  upper  jaw  3.3  to  3.96  in  length  of  body ;  length 
of  snout  2.8  to  3.5  in  head;  eye  3.65  to  4.15;  interorbital  space  flat, 
slightly  broader  than  eye;  teeth  in  the  jaws  short,  mostly  in  3  series; 
gill-rakers  short,  scarcely  as  long  as  pupil,  21  to  24  including  rudiments 
on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  thin,  transparent,  almost  wholly 
without  pigment ;  dorsal  fin  inserted  posteriorly,  slightly  in  advance  of 
vent,  the  last  ray  slightly  produced ;  caudal  forked,  the  lower  lobe  much 
the  larger;  anal  rather  small,  inserted  under  middle  of  base  of  dorsal; 
ventrals  rather  small,  inserted  posteriorly,  from  their  insertion  to  base 
of  caudal  equaling  half  the  distance  from  that  point  to  tip  of  upper 
jaw;  pectorals  moderate,  5.9  to  6.8  in  length  of  body. 

Color  dusky  brown  above;  sides  and  below  bright  silvery;  median 
line  of  back  with  an  indistinct  dark  streak,  with  a  black  line  on  each 
side;  an  inconspicuous  dark  streak  extending  from  upper  angle  of 
gill-opening  to  base  of  caudal;  dorsal,  caudal  and  pectorals  with  more 
or  less  dusky,  other  fins  pale. 

*Head  and  length  of  body  are  measured  from  tip  of  upper  jaw. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   235 

Of  this  species  4  specimens,  ranging  from  300  to  380  mm.  in  length, 
were  preserved. 

Known  from  Key  West,  Florida,  south  to  Bahia,  Brazil.  Also 
recorded  from  Angola,  West  Africa.  Our  specimens  are  from  the 
Colon  market. 


170.  Hemirhamphus  saltator  Gilbert  &  Starks. 

Hemirhamphus  balao  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1885,  370  (not 

of  Le  Sueur). 
Hemirhamphus  brasiliensis  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  722  (in  part). 
Hemirhamphus  saltator  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  53,  PI.  IX,  fig.  1 6  (Panama  Bay)  ;  Snodgrass  and  Heller, 

Wash.  Ac.  Sci.,  VI,  1905,  350;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus. 

Comp.  Zool.,  XXXV,  1912,  85. 

Head  4.2  to  5.15;  depth  5.85  to  6.7;  D.  13  or  14;  A.  n  or  12; 
scales  56  to  61. 

Body  elongate,  compressed,  the  sides  vertical;  dorsal  and  ventral 
outlines  about  evenly  curved ;  head  low ;  the  mandible  much  produced, 
from  tip  of  upper  jaw  3.2  to  4.15  in  length  of  body;  snout  2.5  to  3.2 
in  head;  eye  3.5  to  4.2;  interorbital  space  flat,  slightly  broader  than 
eye;  teeth  in  the  jaws  short,  mostly  in  two  series;  gill-rakers  of  mod- 
erate length,  slightly  longer  than  pupil,  26  or  27  including  rudiments 
on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  thin,  transparent,  almost  wholly 
without  pigment ;  dorsal  fin  inserted  posteriorly,  slightly  in  advance  of 
vent,  the  last  ray  slightly  produced ;  caudal  forked,  the  lower  lobe 
much  the  larger;  anal  rather  small,  inserted  under  middle  of  base  of 
dorsal;  ventrals  inserted  posteriorly,  from  their  insertion  to  base  of 
caudal  slightly  more  than  half  the  distance  from  that  point  to  tip  of 
upper  jaw ;  pectorals  long,  4.85  to  5.5  in  length  of  body. 

Color  dusky  brown  above ;  sides  and  below  bright  silvery ;  median 
line  of  back  with  an  indistinct  dark  streak,  with  a  black  line  on  each 
side ;  an  inconspicuous  dark  lateral  streak  extending  from  upper  angle 
of  gill-opening  to  base  of  caudal;  anal  fin  pale;  all  the  fins  with 
more  or  less  dusky;  dorsal  and  caudal  sometimes  quite  black;  the 
young  darker,  with  an  evident  black  lateral  band  extending  from  snout 
through  lower  margin  of  eye  to  base  of  caudal,  this  band  later  break- 
ing up  into  spots  and  disappearing  with  age. 

Of  this  species  30  specimens,  ranging  from  30  to  440  mm.  in  length, 
were  preserved.  It  is  closely  allied  to  H.  brasiliensis,  from  which  it 
may  be  distinguished  by  the  longer  pectoral  fins,  the  longer  and  more 


236   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

numerous  gill-rakers,  and  the  more  anterior  position  of  the  ventral 
fins.  There  are  a  few  more  scales  in  a  lateral  series,  and  the  average 
number  of  dorsal  and  anal  rays  is  slightly  smaller.  Specimens  taken 
early  in  February  are  well  distended  with  roe. 

Known  from  Acapulco  south  to  the  Galapagos  Islands.  Our  speci- 
mens are  from  Chame  Point,  Taboga  Island,  Balboa,  and  Panama 
market. 

67.  Genus  Hyporhamphus  Gill. 

Hyporhamphus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1859,  I3I»  (tvPe  Hypor- 
hamphus  tricuspidatus  Gi\\=Hemirhamphus  unifasciatus  Ranzani). 
Body  elongate,  moderately  compressed,  the  sides  scarcely  vertical, 
usually  more  or  less  convex ;  head  rather  low,  depressed  above ;  lower 
jaw  much  produced,  never  much  shorter,  and  often  longer  than  rest 
of  head,  proportionately  longer  in  young  than  in  adult;  air  bladder 
simple,  not  divided  into  compartments ;  dorsal  and  anal  similar,  oppo- 
site each  other,  the  dorsal  slightly  shorter  than  the  anal,  its  last  ray 
not  produced;  ventral  fins  well  forward,  usually  inserted  at  a  point 
about  midway  between  base  of  caudal  and  gill-opening;  sides  with  a 
plumbeous  band. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Gill-rakers  short,  in  moderate  numbers,  20  to  25  on  lower  limb 
of  first  arch;  ventral  fins  usually  inserted  at  a  point  slightly 
nearer  base  of  caudal  than  posterior  margin  of  eye. 

unifasciatus,  p.  237. 

aa.  Gill-rakers  longer  and  more  numerous,  28  or  more  on  lower 
limb  of  first  arch. 

b.  Mandible  much  longer  than  rest  of  head,  its  length  from  tip 
of  upper  jaw  2.7  to  3.7  in  length  of  body;  gill-rakers  28  to  31 ; 
ventral  fins  inserted  slightly  nearer  posterior  margin  of  opercle 
than  base  of  caudal.  roberti,  p.  239. 

bb.  Mandible  shorter,  slightly  longer  than  rest  of  head  in  young, 
but  shorter  in  adult,  3.5  to  5.9  in  length  of  body;  gill-rakers 
34  to  39. 

c.  Body  rather  deep,  its  depth  7.4  to  8.5  in  its  length ;  scales  quite 
persistent;  dorsal  and  anal  scaly;  ventral  fins  inserted  nearer 
anterior  margin  of  eye  than  base  of  caudal ;  back  densely  punc- 
tulate  with  brown,  the  dots-  more  or  less  confluent  at  edges  of 
scales.  gilli  sp.  nov.,  p.  240. 


THE  HSB&BY 
OF  THE 

or  BUMS 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   237 

cc.  Body  slender,  its  depth  8.2  to  10.3  in  its  length;  scales  decidu- 
ous, few  or  none  remaining  on  preserved  specimens;  dorsal 
and  anal  apparently  naked;  ventral  fins  inserted  nearer  base 
of  caudal  than  anterior  margin  of  eye;  color  paler,  the  back 
with  fewer  brown  dots.  snyderi  sp.  nov.,  p.  240. 

171.  Hyporhamphus  unifasciatus  (Ranzani).    (Plate  XVI,  fig.  i.) 
Hemirhamphus  unifasciatus  Ranzani,  Novi  Comment.  Ac.   Sci.   Inst. 

Bonon.,  V,   1842,  326   (Brazil)  ;  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus., 

VI,  1866,  262 ;  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  II,  1882 

(1883),  106;  Meek  &  Goss,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1884,  222. 
Hemirhamphus  richardi  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  XIX, 

1846,  26  (Antilles;  Cayenne;  Bahia;  Rio  de  Janeiro). 
Hyporhamphus  tricuspidatus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1859, 

131   (Barbadoes). 
Hemirhamphus  fasciatus  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1861,  299  (Cuba;  not  of 

Bleeker). 
Hemirhamphus  poeyi  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  VI,  1866,  262 

(after  H.  fasciatus  Poey)  ;  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

1882,  373  and  381. 
Hemirhamphus  roberti  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  VI,  1866,  263 

(not  of  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes)  ;  Meek  &  Goss,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci. 

Phila.,  1884,  223. 
f Hemirhamphus  unifasciatus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

1 88 1,  274. 
Hyporhamphus  unifasciatus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  720,  PI.  CXVI,  fig.  311. 
fHyporhamphus  roberti  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  721,  PI.  CXVII,  fig.  312. 

Hyporhamphus  roberti  Kendall  and  Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp. 
"  Zool.,  XXXV,  1912,  84. 

Head  4.4  to  5.0;  depth  6.3  to  9.8;  D.  13  to  16;  A.  15  to  17;  scales 
52  to  59. 

Body  elongate,  compressed,  becoming  proportionately  much  deeper 
with  age ;  head  rather  low,  depressed  above ;  the  mandible  moderately 
produced,  variable  in  length,  but  always  proportionately  longer  in 
young  than  in  adult,  slightly  longer  than  rest  of  head  in  young,  but 
notably  shorter  in  adult,  its  length  from  tip  of  upper  jaw  3.6  to  5.85 
in  length  of  body;  snout  2.5  to  3.1  in  head;  eye  3.6  to  4.4;  interorbital 
space  broader  than  eye;  teeth  in  the  jaws  short,  in  bands;  gill-rakers 
short  and  rather  blunt,  20  to  25  on  the  lower  limb  of  first  arch ;  scales 


238   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

thin,  apparently  more  firm  than  in  other  species ;  dorsal  and  anal  simi- 
lar, placed  posteriorly,  each  densely  scaled,  at  least  at  base;  caudal 
forked,  the  lower  lobe  much  the  larger ;  ventrals  small,  usually  inserted 
slightly  nearer  base  of  caudal  than  posterior  margin  of  eye;  pectorals 
short,  1.4  to  1.85  in  head. 

Color  mostly  silvery;  back  with  brown  or  dusky  punctulations, 
these  most  numerous  and  often  more  or  less  confluent  at  margin  of 
scales ;  middle  of  back  with  3  narrow  black  lines ;  sides  with  a  plum- 
beous band,  margined  above  with  black;  upper  surface  of  head  and 
mandible  mostly  black,  the  latter  with  a  red  tip  in  life ;  caudal  and  the 
tips  of  the  longest  rays  of  dorsal  and  anal  black  or  dusky,  fins  other- 
wise mostly  pale. 

We  have  53  specimens  of  this  species,  ranging  from  160  to  230  mm. 
in  length,  from  the  Atlantic  and  20,  ranging  from  90  to  290  mm.  in 
length,  from  the  Pacific. 

We  are  unable  to  find  any  tangible  difference  upon  which  to  sep- 
arate the  Atlantic  coast  representatives  from  those  of  the  Pacific. 
Certain  small  differences,  however,  seem  to  exist,  but  these  in  every 
case  overlap.  In  10  Atlantic  specimens  the  gill-rakers  range  from  20 
to  24,  with  an  average  number  of  21.1 ;  in  an  equal  number  of  Pacific 
coast  specimens  they  range  from  22  to  25,  with  an  average  number  of 
23.3.  Comparing  in  each  case  the  same  groups  of  specimens  as  above, 
we  have  in  the  Atlantic  group  for  the  number  of  dorsal  rays,  14  to  1 6, 
with  an  average  of  15.2,  and  for  the  anal  15  to  17,  with  an  average 
of  16.1;  for  the  dorsal  rays  in  the  Pacific  group  we  also  have  14  to 
16,  but  with  an  average  of  14.2,  for  the  anal  15  to  17  with  an  average 
of  15.7.  In  comparing  specimens  of  like  size,  it  also  seems  as  if  the 
Pacific  coast  representatives  are  a  little  more  slender. 

An  examination  of  the  material  of  this-  genus  in  the  National  Mu- 
seum indicates  that  all  specimens  from  the  West  Indies  and  our  At- 
lantic coast  may  be  referred  to  the  present  species.  There  is  consid- 
erable variation  with  age  and  among  individuals  with  respect  to  depth 
of  body  and  length  of  mandible.  In  the  numerous  specimens  exam- 
ined from  the  above  named  regions,  these  characters  seem  to  inter- 
grade  perfectly.  This  fish  often  runs  in  very  large  schools.  One  day 
while  seining  a  school  of  them  was  encountered,  and  each  seine  haul 
yielded  them  in  great  numbers.  While  large  ones  are  sometimes 
brought  to  market,  they  do  not  seem  to  be  highly  valued  as  food  by 
the  Canal  Zone  inhabitants. 

The  range  of  this  species  on  the  Atlantic  coast  extends  from  Rhode 
Island  south  to  Brazil.  The  range  on  the  Pacific  coast  seems  to  ex- 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   239 

tend  from  the  Gulf  of  California  south  to  the  Galapagos  Islands.  Our 
Atlantic  coast  specimens  are  from  Fox  Bay,  Colon;  and  Colon  mar- 
ket. Pacific  coast  specimens  are  from  Chame  Point;  Panama  Bay, 
Balboa ;  and  Panama  market. 


172.  Hyporhamphus    roberti    (Cuvier    &    Valenciennes).      (Plate 

XVI,  fig.  2.) 
Hemirhamphus  roberti  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  XIX, 

1846,  24  (Cayenne). 

Head  4.6  to  5.0;  depth  9.7  to  10.5;  D.  14  to  16;  A.  15  to  17;  scales 
52  to  56. 

Body  very  elongate,  slender,  little  compressed ;  head  low,  depressed 
above;  the  mandible  very  much  produced,  much  longer  than  rest  of 
head,  from  tip  of  upper  jaw  2.7  to  3.17  in  length  of  body;  snout  2.7 
to  3.0  in  head;  eye  3.55  to  4;  interorbital  space  broader  than  eye; 
teeth  in  the  jaws  very  short,  in  bands ;  gill-rakers  very  slender,  rather 
close  set,  28  to  31  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  thin,  more  or 
less  deciduous;  dorsal  and  anal  similar,  placed  posteriorly,  with  few 
or  no  scales;  caudal  forked,  the  lower  lobe  much  the  larger;  ventrals 
small,  inserted  slightly  nearer  posterior  margin  of  opercle  than  base 
of  caudal;  pectorals  short,  1.75  to  2.0  in  head. 

Color  mostly  silvery;  upper  portion  of  body  with  brown  punctula- 
tions;  back  with  3  narrow  black  lines;  sides  with  a  plumbeous  band, 
margined  above  with  black;  upper  surface  of  head  and  mandible 
mostly  black,  the  latter  with  a  red  tip  in  life ;  fins  mostly  pale,  usually 
with  some  dusky  points. 

Of  this  species  14  specimens,  ranging  from  70  to  160  mm.  in  total 
length,  were  secured. 

An  examination  of  the  material  of  this  genus  from  the  West  In- 
dies and  our  Atlantic  coast,  contained  in  the  National  Museum  col- 
lections, has  failed  to  reveal  a  single  specimen  of  this  species.  We 
believe  that  all  this  material  can  be  referred  to  a  single  species,  H. 
unifasciatus,  and  that  our  specimens  are  representative  of  the  true 
H.  roberti  of  Cuvier  and  Valenciennes.  This  species  differs  notably 
from  H.  unifasciatus  in  the  more  numerous  gill-rakers,  in  the  very 
slender  body,  longer  mandible,  and  in  the  more  posterior  insertion  of 
the  ventral  fins. 

The  known  range  of  this  species  then  extends  from  Panama  south 
to  French  Guiana.  Our  specimens  are  from  Toro  Point,  and  Fox  Bay, 
Colon. 


240    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

173.  Hyporhamphus  gilli  sp.  nov.     (Plate  XVII,  fig.  i.) 
Hemirhamphus  roberti  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1890,  450  (in 

part;  one  specimen  from  Chatham  Id.). 
Hyporhamphus  unifasciatus  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp. 

Zool.,  XXXV,  1912,  84  (not  of  Ranzani). 

Type  No.  81736,  U.  S.  N.  M. ;  length  170  mm.;  Panama  Bay, 
Balboa. 

Head  4.5  to  4.9;  depth  7.4  to  8.5;  D.  14  or  15;  A.  15  or  16;  scales 
54  to  58. 

Body  elongate,  compressed ;  head  low,  depressed  above ;  mandible 
moderately  produced,  equal  to  or  shorter  than  rest  of  head,  from  tip 
of  upper  jaw  4.45  to  5.9  in  length;  interorbital  space  flat,  broader  than 
eye ;  teeth  in  the  jaws  very  short,  in  narrow  bands ;  gill-rakers  very 
slender,  close  set,  34  to  38  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  thin, 
moderately  adherent ;  dorsal  and  anal  similar,  each  covered  with  small 
scales,  at  least  at  base ;  caudal  forked,  the  lower  lobe  much  the  larger ; 
ventrals  small,  inserted  slightly  nearer  anterior  margin  of  eye  than 
base  of  caudal;  pectorals  short,  1.73  to  1.92  in  head. 

Color  mostly  silvery;  back  with  brown  punctulations,  these  often 
more  or  less  confluent  along  edges  of  scales ;  middle  of  back  with  3  nar- 
row black  lines ;  sides  with  a  plumbeous  band  margined  above  with 
black ;  snout  and  mandible  black,  the  latter  with  a  red  tip  in  life ;  cau- 
dal and  margin  of  dorsal  and  anal  dusky ;  fins  otherwise  mostly  pale. 

Of  this  species  there  are  36  specimens,  from  135  to  170  mm.  in 
length,  in  the  present  collection.  We  have  also  seen  specimens  from 
Acapulco,  in  the  National  Museum  collection,  wrongly  identified  as 
H.  unifasciatus,  and  one  specimen  from  the  Galapagos  Island  (Chat- 
ham Id.)  wrongly  identified  as  H.  roberti.  In  general  appearance  this 
species  agrees  very  well  with  H.  unifasciatus,  but  differs  from  that 
species  in  the  more  numerous  gill-rakers,  and  in  the  more  anterior 
position  of  the  ventral  fins. 

This  species  ranges  from  Acapulco  south  to  the  Galapagos  Islands. 
Our  specimens  are  all  from  Panama  Bay,  Balboa. 

174.  Hyporhamphus  snyderi  sp.  nov.    (Plate  XVII,  fig.  2.) 
Hemirhamphus  roberti  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1890,  450  (in 

part;  Panama  specimens). 

f Hyporhamphus  roberti  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 
1904,  53  (Panama  Bay). 


>   .£ 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.  241 

Type  No.  81760,  U.  S.  N.  M. ;  length  175  mm.;  Panama  Bay, 
Balboa. 

Head  4.4  to  5.0;  depth  8.2  to  10.3;  D.  15  or  16;  A.  16  to  18;  scales 
55  to  60. 

Body  very  elongate,  slender,  little  compressed;  head  low,  de- 
pressed above;  mandible  rather  strongly  produced,  variable,  usually 
slightly  longer  than  head,  from  tip  of  upper  jaw  3.5  to  4.65  in  length 
of  body ;  snout  2.5  to  2.8  in  head ;  eye  4.0  to  4.85 ;  interorbital  space 
flat,  broader  than  eye;  teeth  in  the  jaws  short,  in  bands;  gill-rakers 
very  slender,  close  set,  35  to  39  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales 
very  thin,  deciduous,  few  remaining  on  specimens  at  hand ;  dorsal  and 
anal  similar,  apparently  without  scales;  caudal  forked,  the  lower  lobe 
much  the  larger;  ventrals  small,  inserted  slightly  nearer  base  of  cau- 
dal than  posterior  margin  of  eye;  pectorals  short,  1.65  to  2.0  in  head. 

Color  pale  silvery;  back  with  brown  punctulations,  these  most 
numerous  at  edges  of  scales;  middle  of  back  with  3  narrow  black 
lines ;  sides  with  a  plumbeous  band,  margined  with  black  above ;  man- 
dible black;  caudal  and  margin  of  anterior  rays  of  dorsal  and  anal 
dusky;  fins  otherwise  pale. 

Of  this  species  there  are  49  specimens,  ranging  from  50  to  290 
mm.  in  length,  in  the  present  collection.  We  have  also  examined  7 
specimens  taken  at  Panama  and  5  from  Concepcion  Bay,  Lower  Cali- 
fornia. This  species  differs  from  H.  gilli  in  the  more  slender  body, 
the  more  posterior  insertion  of  the  ventral  fins,  the  much  less  per- 
sistent scales  and  in  the  naked  vertical  fins.  It  most  resembles  H. 
rosce,  a  more  northern  species,  known  from  the  coast  of  California, 
Jaut  differs  from  it  notably  in  having  more  gill-rakers  and  in  the  more 
anterior  insertion  of  the  ventral  fins.  H,  rosce  has  only  about  25  gill- 
rakers  on  the  lower  limb  of  the  first  arch,  and  its  ventral  fins  are  in- 
serted slightly  nearer  the  base  of  the  caudal  than  the  posterior  margin 
of  the  opercle. 

The  known  range  of  this  species  extends  from  Concepcion  Bay, 
Lower  Caifornia,  south  to  Panama.  Our  specimens  are  from  Chame 
Point ;  tide  streams,  Balboa ;  and  Panama  Bay,  Balboa. 

Family  XXXII.    Exocoetidae. 

THE  FLYING  FISHES. 

Body  elongate;  head  with  more  or  less  vertical  sides;  mouth  ter- 
minal, or  the  lower  jaw  projecting,  the  latter  not  produced  into  a  beak, 
at  least  not  in  the  adult;  premaxillaries  not  protractile;  maxillary 


242   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

short,  slipping  under  preorbital;  nostrils  double,  near  the  eye;  teeth 
various,  small  and  weak ;  lateral  line  running  low,  along  edge  of  belly ; 
scales  cycloid,  more  or  less  deciduous,  extending  forward  on  head; 
dorsal  fin  without  spines,  inserted  on  posterior  part  of  body ;  no  finlets ; 
caudal  fin  forked,  the  lower  lobe  the  longer;  anal  fin  opposite  dorsal 
and  more  or  less  similar  to  it ;  ventral  fins  abdominal,  sometimes  more 
or  less  enlarged;  pectoral  fins  inserted  high,  usually  greatly  enlarged, 
used  as  organs  of  flight. 

Most  of  the  species  of  this  family  are  widely  distributed;  they 
are  pelagic,  swimming  near  the  surface,  and  many  of  them  are  able  to 
skip  or  fly  through  the  air  for  considerable  distances.  Only  2  species, 
representatives  of  2  genera,  occur  in  the  present  collection;  a  few 
others  not  represented  in  this  collection  are  reported  from  Panama  and 
several  others  may  be  expected  there.  We  offer  descriptions  only  for 
the  species  taken  by  us,  but  we  have  compiled  keys  to  all  of  the 
genera  and  species  which  appear  to  come  within  the  scope  of  the 
present  work,  and  under  the  name  of  each  species  we  have  endeavored 
to  give  a  reference  to  the  original  description  and  usually  also  a  refer- 
ence to  some  general  work  which  appears  to  give  a  good  description. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA. 

a.  Snout  long,  pointed,  the  lower  jaw  strongly  projecting,  acute; 
dorsal  fin  anteriorly  notably  elevated.  Fodiator,  p.  243. 

aa.     Snout  rather  short  and  blunt,  the  lower  jaw  not  greatly  pro- 
jecting and  not  acute. 

b.  Pectoral  fins  moderate,  not  reaching  beyond  middle  of  base  of 
dorsal;  dorsal  fin  elevated;  the  base  of  anal  about  equal  to 
base  of  dorsal.  Parexoccetus,  p.  244. 

bb.     Pectoral  fins  very  long,  usually  reaching  beyond  base  of  dorsal, 
nearly  or  quite  to  base  of  caudal. 

c.  Ventral  fins  short,  not  nearly  reaching  origin  of  anal,  inserted 
nearer  tip  of  snout  than  base  of  caudal ;  base  of  anal  nearly  or 
quite  as  long  as  base  of  dorsal.  Exoc&tus,  p.  244. 

cc.     Ventral  fins  long,  reaching  past  middle  of  base  of  anal,  usually 
inserted  nearer  base  of  caudal  than  tip  of  snout. 

d.  Anal  fin  long,  its  base  equal  to  that  of  dorsal. 

Exonautes,  p.  244. 
dd.     Anal  fin  short,  its  base  shorter  than  that  of  dorsal. 

Cypselurus,  p.  245. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   243 

68.  Genus  Fodiator  Jordan  &  Meek. 

Fodiator  Jordan  &  Meek,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1885,  45  (type  Exo- 

ccetus  acutus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  head  compressed;  snout  long  and 
pointed;  lower  jaw  acute  in  adult,  protruding  prominently,  more  or 
less  produced  into  a  beak  in  young ;  teeth  very  small ;  dorsal  fin  anter- 
iorly elevated;  ventral  fins  moderate;  pectoral  fins  rather  moderate, 
usually  about  half  as  long  as  body. 

A  single  widely  distributed  species  is  known,  the  young  of  which 
show  a  remarkable  resemblance  to  the  Hemirhamphidce. 

175.  Fodiator  acutus  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Exoccetus  acutus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  XIX,  1846, 

125  (Surinam;  Nice)  ;  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  VI,  1866,  281 

(Fernando  Po). 
Fodiator  acutus  Jordan  &  Meek,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1885,  46; 

Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  728; 

Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  55   (Panama 

Bay). 

Head  3.6  to  4;  depth  4.85  to  6;  D.  9  or  10;  A.  10  or  u  ;  scales 
about  40. 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  head  low;  snout  long,  pointed,  2.5  to 
3.25  in  head;  eye  moderate,  2.7  to  3.5  in  head;  interorbital  flat,  as 
broad  as  eye  in  adult  (140  mm.)  ;  mouth  rather  small;  the  lower  jaw 
strongly  projecting,  pointed,  extending  beyond  margin  of  upper  jaw 
a  distance  equal  to  length  of  pupil  in  adult  (140  mm.),  much  longer 
in  young,  beak-like,  as  in  Hemirhamphus;  maxillary  slipping  under 
preorbital;  teeth  minute,  in  narrow  bands  in  the  jaws;  scales  large, 
cycloid;  dorsal  fin  anteriorly  notably  elevated,  the  longest  rays  reach- 
ing base  of  caudal,  the  posterior  rays  very  short;  caudal  fin  deeply 
forked,  the  lower  lobe  much  the  longer;  anal  fin  inserted  under  the 
origin  of  dorsal,  its  anterior  rays  not  notably  elevated;  ventral  fins 
moderate,  only  about  a  third  tne  length  of  pectoral  in  adult,  about  half 
the  pectoral  in  young  (40  mm.),  inserted  slightly  nearer  base  of  caudal 
than  eye,  failing  to  reach  origin  of  anal  in  adult ;  pectoral  fins  rather 
moderate,  reaching  to  or  a  little  beyond  origin  of  anal,  1.8  to  2.4  in 
length. 

Color  of  adult  bluish  black  above,  silvery  below;  color  rather  paler 
in  young;  the  produced  rays  of  dorsal  black,  the  others  pale;  caudal 
fin  greenish  yellow  in  adult,  pale  in  young;  anal  fin  pale;  ventral  fins 


244   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

pale  at  base,  the  distal  parts  black,  at  least  in  young;  pectorals  mostly 
black,  the  upper  and  lower  rays  usually  pale. 

There  are  30  specimens,  ranging  from  15  to  178  mm.  in  length,  at 
hand.  The  young  are  remarkably  different  from  the  adult  in  the  de- 
velopment of  the  lower  jaw  which  in  small  specimens  forms  a  beak 
as  in  H  emir  ham  phus. 

Known  from  both  shores  of  tropical  America.  Our  specimens 
are  all  from  the  Pacific  coast,  from  Chame  Point  and  Balboa. 


69.  Genus  Parexocoetus  Bleeker. 

Parexocoetus  Bleeker,  Nederl.  Tijdsch.  Dierk.,  Ill,  1866,   126   (type 
Exoccetus  mento  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

176.  Parexocoetus  brachypterus  (Solander). 

Exoccetus  brachypterus  Solander,  in  Richardson,  Ichthyol.  China,  in 

Proc.  Brit.  Assoc.,  1846,  265  (Otaheite). 
Parexoccetus  brachypterus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm., 

XXIII,  Pt.  I,  1903  (1905),  131,  PI.  III. 

Range,  tropical  seas. 

70.  Genus  Exocoetus  Linnaeus. 

Exoccetus  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat,  Ed.  X,   1758,  316   (type  Exoccetus 
volitans  Linnaeus). 

177.  Exocoetus  volitans  Linnaeus. 

Exoccetus  volitans  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  316  (Locality 
unknown)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 
1896,  734. 
Range,  warm  seas ;  rather  common  on  the  Atlantic  coast  of  America. 

71.  Genus  Exonautes  Jordan  &  Evermann. 

Exonautes  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XXI,  1895 
(1896),  322  (type  Exoccetus  exsiliens  Miiller). 

KEY  TO   THE   SPECIES. 

a.  First  and  second  rays  of  pectorals  simple,  not  divided,  the  first 
ray  about  half  as  long  as  the  second,  the  fourth  and  fifth  rays 
longest ;  scales  in  lateral  series-  about  50.  rondeletii,  p.  245. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   245 

aa.  Second  ray  of  pectoral  divided,  only  the  first  ray  simple,  the 
third  and  fourth  rays  longest ;  scales  in  lateral  series  about  58. 

rufipinnis,  p.  245. 

178.  Exonautes  rondeletii  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Exocaztus  rondeletii  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  XIX, 
1846,  115,  PI.  DLXII  (Naples,  Sicily)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull. 
U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  733. 
Range,  tropical  seas. 

179.  Exonautes  rufipinnis  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Exoccetus  rufipinnis  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  XIX, 
1846,  99  (Payta,  Peru)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
XLVII,  1896,  735. 
Range,  tropical  America;  once  recorded  from  the  Pacific  coast  of 

Panama. 

72.  Genus  Cypselurus  Swainson. 

CypsUurus  Swainson,  Nat.  Hist.  &  Class.  Fish.,  II,  1839,  296  (type 
Exoccetus  nuttalli  Le  Sueur=Exoccetus  furcatus  Mitchill). 
Body  elongate,  somewhat  compressed;  head  short,  broad;  mouth 
small ;  jaws  about  equal ;  teeth  minute  or  wanting ;  scales  large,  decidu- 
ous; dorsal  fin  short;  no  finlets;  anal  fin  opposite  the  dorsal,  its  base 
shorter  than  that  of  dorsal;  ventral  fins  large,  posteriorly  inserted; 
pectoral  fins  very  large,  reaching  past  the  origin  of  anal. 

KEY   TO   THE    SPECIES. 

a.  Pectoral  fins  covered  with  small,  round,  dark  spots;  ventrals 
usually  also  with  black  spots;  dorsal  rays  n  or  12;  anal  8. 

callopterus,  p.  246. 
aa.     Pectoral  and  ventral  fins  without  small  round  black  spots. 

b.  Ventral  fins  inserted  equidistant  from  pupil  and  base  of  caudal. 

c.  Dorsal  and  anal  fins  without  black  markings;  ventrals  pale; 
scales  about  58 ;  dorsal  rays  14 ;  anal  9.  heterurus,  p.  247. 

cc.  Dorsal  fin  with  one  or  more  dark  blotches;  anal  with  a  black 
spot  on  tips  of  third  to  sixth  ray;  ventrals  black  with  pale 
margin  and  a  white  spot  near  base ;  scales  about  46 ;  dorsal  rays 
13 ;  anal  9.  furcatus,  p.  247. 

bb.  Ventral  fins  inserted  about  equidistant  from  posterior  margin  of 
opercle  and  base  of  caudal. 


246    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

d.  Pectoral  with  posterior  half  black;  dorsal  with  anterior  half 
black ;  anal  white ;  ventral  fins  reaching  tip  of  last  anal  rays ; 
dorsal  rays  14;  anal  9  or  10.  nigricans,  p.  247. 

dd.  Pectoral  fins  uniformly  pale;  dorsal  pale  with  a  round  black 
spot  on  tips  of  rays;  anal  pale;  ventral  fins  not  quite  reaching 
base  of  last  anal  ray;  dorsal  rays  12;  anal  n. 

cyanopterus,  p.  247. 

bbb.  Ventral  fins  inserted  about  equidistant  from  middle  of  opercle 
and  base  of  caudal,  reaching  middle  of  base  of  anal;  pectoral 
fins  pale;  dorsal  with  a  long  black  blotch;  dorsal  rays  13;  anal 
9  or  10.  bahiensis,  p.  247. 

180.  Cypselurus  callopterus  (Giinther). 

Exocostus  callopterus  Gunther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  VI,  1866,  292 

Panama),    and    Trans.    Zool.    Soc.    Lond.,    VI,    1868,    479,    PI. 

LXXXIII;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  740. 
Cypselurus  callopterus  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

I9°4,  55  (Panama). 

Head  3.85  to  4.8;  depth  5.1  to  5.35;  D.  n  or  12;  A.  8;  scales  46 
to  51. 

Body  elongate,  not  much  compressed,  slightly  quadrate ;  head  short, 
rather  broad;  snout  very  short,  broader  than  long,  4.1  to  5  in  head; 
eye  large,  2.1  to  2.8  in  head;  interorbital  slightly  concave,  as  broad  as 
eye  in  young  (60  mm.),  notably  broader  than  eye  in  adults;  mouth 
small,  terminal,  the  gape  mostly  transverse ;  maxillary  reaching  nostrils, 
4.3  to  5  in  head;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  bands,  small,  more  or  less  distinctly 
tricuspid ;  scales  large,  cycloid,  extending  forward  on  head  to  nostrils ; 
dorsal  fin  rather  small,  the  anterior  and  posterior  rays  slightly  elevated ; 
caudal  fin  deeply  forked,  the  lower  lobe  notably  produced,  much  longer 
than  the  upper;  anal  fin  small,  inserted  under  middle  of  base  of  dorsal, 
its  base  only  slightly  more  than  half  as  long  as  base  of  pectoral ;  ventral 
fins  long,  reaching  to  the  middle  of  or  past  the  base  of  anal,  about 
half  the  length  of  pectorals  in  adult,  proportionately  longer  in  young; 
pectoral  fins  very  long,  the  third  and  fourth  rays  longest,  reaching 
to  or  past  tips  of  ventrals  in  adult,  somewhat  shorter  in  young,  1.25  to 
1.65  in  length. 

Color  of  adult  in  alcohol  bluish  black  above,  silvery  below;  the 
young  brownish  with  dark  points,  darker  below  than  above,  sometimes 
the  abdominal  regions  are  black;  dorsal,  caudal  and  anal  greenish 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   247 

with  more  or  less  dusky,  especially  on  caudal  lobes;  ventral  fins  in 
adult  with  the  median  rays  dusky,  with  black  spots,  the  rest  of  the  fin 
pale,  wholly  black  or  dusky  in  young  with  the  black  spots  very  faintly 
visible;  pectoral  fins  greenish,  dusky  or  nearly  black  in  young,  with 
distinct,  roundish,  black  spots. 

This  fish  is  represented  by  4  large  specimens,  240  to  255  mm.  in 
length,  and  by  numerous  small  ones,  1 5  to  65  mm.  long.  The  latter  were 
sent  by  Mr.  Robert  Tweedlie. 

Known  only  from  Panama.  The  specimens  at  hand  are  from  Chame 
Point  and  the  Panama  market. 

181.  Cypselurus  hetemms  (Rafinesque). 

Exoccetus  heterurus  Rafinesque,  Caratteri,  etc.,  1810,  58  (Palermo)  ; 
Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  735. 
Range,  Atlantic  Ocean,  both  coasts ;  common  in  the  warmer  regions. 

182.  Cypselurus  furcatus  (Mitchill). 

Exoccetus  furcatus  Mitchill,  Trans.  Lit.  &  Phil.  Soc.  N.  Y.,  I,  1815, 
449   (New  York)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
XLVII,  1896,  737. 
Range,  warm  seas ;  common  on  both  coasts  of  the  Atlantic  Ocean. 

183.  Cypselurus  nigricans  (Bennett). 

Exoccetus  nigricans  Bennett,  Whaling  Voyage,  II,  1840,  287  ("Taken 
in  both  the  Atlantic  and  Pacific  Oceans  in  lat.  5°  N.")  ;  Jordan  & 
Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  737. 
Range,  all  tropical  seas. 

184.  Cypselurus  cyanopterus  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 
Exoccetus  cyanopterus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  XIX, 

1846,  98  (Bahia;  Rio  de  Janeiro)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S. 

Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  739. 

Range,  coast  of  Brazil  and  the  Caribbean  Sea. 

185.  Cypselurus  bahiensis  (Ranzani). 

Exoccetus  bahiensis  Ranzani,  Novi  Comment.  Ac.  Sci.  Inst.  Bonon.,  V, 
1842,  362,  PI.  XXXVIII  (Bahia)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U. 
S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  739. 
Range,  tropical  seas. 


248   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Order  XII.     Hemibranchii. 
Family  XXXIII.    Fistulariidae. 

THE  CORNET-FISHES. 

Body  very  elongate,  much  depressed,  always  broader  than  deep; 
head  very  long,  the  anterior  bones  of  the  skull  much  produced,  forming 
a  long  tube,  the  bones  connected  by  lax  membranes,  making  the  tube 
capable  of  much  expansion;  the  small  mouth  situated  at  the  end  of 
the  long  tube;  both  jaws  and  usually  the  vomer  and  palatines  with 
small  teeth;  branchiostegals  5  to  7;  gills  4,  a  slit  behind  the  fourth; 
gill-membranes  separate,  free  from  the  isthmus;  gill-rakers  obsolete; 
basi-branchial  elements  wanting;  pseudobranchiae  present;  scales 
wanting;  bony  plates  on  back,  behind  skull  and  on  sides  and  chest, 
between  and  behind  pectorals;  spinous  dorsal  wanting;  soft  dorsal 
posteriorly  inserted,  somewhat  elevated ;  anal  fin  similar  to  and  opposite 
dorsal ;  caudal  fin  forked,  the  middle  ray  produced  into  a  long  filament ; 
ventral  fins  abdominal,  far  in  advance  of  dorsal ;  pectoral  fins  small, 
preceded  by  a  smooth  area. 

73.  Genus  Fistularia  Linnaeus. 

Fistularia  Linnaeus,   Syst.   Nat.,  Ed.  X,   1758,  312    (type  Fistularia 

tabacaria  Linnaeus). 
Cannorhynchus  Cantor,  Journ.  Roy.  Asiat.  Soc.  Bengal,  XVIII,  1849, 

211  (type  Fistularia  tabacaria  Linnaeus,  Fistularia  being  regarded  as 

preoccupied  by  Donati  in  1750  for  a  pre-Linnaean  genus  of  Polyps). 

Characters  of  the  genus  are  included  in  the  description  of  the  family. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Interorbital  (bone)  wide,  3.9  to  4.4  in  postorbital  part  of  head, 
with  a  wide,  shallow,  and  perfectly  smooth  median  furrow; 
snout  short,  1.4  to  1.5  in  total  length  of  head;  dorsal  fin  with 
17  or  1 8  rays;  anal  with  16  or  17;  ventral  fins  inserted  a  little 
nearer  tip  of  snout  than  base  of  caudal.  corneta,  p.  249. 

aa.  Interorbital  (bone)  narrower,  the  median  furrow  narrower 
and  deeper,  and  always  slightly  roughened  by  one  or  more 
low  ridges;  snout  longer,  1.3  to  1.4  in  head;  dorsal  with  13  to 
1 6  rays;  anal  with  13  to  15 ;  ventral  fins  inserted  notably  nearer 
base  of  caudal  than  tip  of  snout. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   249 

b.  Ridges  on  head  mostly  smooth,  the  upper  lateral  ridges  of 
snout  usually  slightly  serrate;  superior  ridges  of  snout  close 
together  and  nearly  parallel,  little  if  at  all  divergent  on  an- 
terior half,  approaching  each  other  anteriorly  and  meeting  at 
tip  of  upper  jaw;  color  in  spirits  pale  brown;  greenish  brown 
in  life,  with  a  series  of  blue  spots  along  side  from  snout  to 
base  of  caudal;  another  series  of  smaller  blue  spots  on  back 
close  to  vertebral  line.  tabacaria,  p.  250. 

bb.  Ridges  on  head  more  or  less  serrate;  upper  lateral  ridges  of 
snout  always  with  evident  serrae. 

c.  Sculpturing  of  head  weak,  the  median  furrow  in  upper  surface 
shallow ;  upper  lateral  ridges  of  snout  with  rather  small  serrae ; 
superior   ridges    far  apart,   divergent   on  anterior  half,   then 
approaching  each  other  and  meeting  at  tip  of  upper  jaw ;  skin 
smooth;  the  armature  of  lateral  line  weak;  color  in  spirits 
very  dark  brown;  greenish  brown  in  life,  with  a  narrow  blue 
line,  more  or  less  interrupted  anteriorly,  and  posteriorly  ex- 
tending from  nape  to  base  of  caudal ;  a  series  of  blue  spots  on 
back  close  to  vertebral  line.  depressa,  p.  251. 

cc.  Sculpturing  of  head  more  prominent,  the  median  furrow  in  its 
upper  surface  deeper;  upper  lateral  ridges  of  snout  close 
together,  and  nearly  parallel,  little  if  at  all  divergent  on  anterior 
half ;  skin  rough ;  the  armature  of  lateral  line  well  developed ; 
color  in  spirits  pale  brown  (probably  reddish  in  life),  with 
darker  cross-bars.  petimba,  p.  252. 

186.  Fistularia  corneta  Gilbert  &  Starks. 

Fistularia  corneta  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904, 

56,  PI.  X,  figs.  18  and  i8a  (Panama). 

Head  2.7  to  3.0;  depth  in  front  of  pectorals  10.0  to  10.9  in  head; 
D.  17  or  18;  A.  16  or  17. 

Body  very  elongate,  much  depressed;  head  more  or  less  quadrate, 
only  slightly  wider  than  deep;  snout  shorter  than  in  other  species  of 
this  genus,  its  upper  lateral  ridges  with  small  serrae  on  posterior  half, 
the  superior  ridges  far  apart,  parallel  posteriorly,  sometimes  diverging 
slightly  on  anterior  half  of  snout,  then  gradually  approaching  each 
other  and  meeting  at  tip  of  snout;  snout  1.4  to  1.5  in  head;  eye  10.2  to 
12.0;  interorbital  (bone)  broad,  3.9  to  4.45  in  postorbital  part  of  head, 
with  a  wide,  shallow,  and  perfectly  smooth  median  furrow,  rough  with 
elevated  ridges  at  the  sides ;  serrae  over  posterior  part  of  orbit  and  in 


250    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

front  of  eye  small  and  blunt;  lower  surface  of  head  and  snout  en- 
tirely without  seme;  mouth  small,  oblique;  lower  jaw  projecting; 
maxillary  posteriorly  concave,  13.0  to  14.9  in  head;  skin  perfectly 
smooth;  no  bony  plates  in  the  lateral  line;  dorsal  and  anal  similar, 
placed  directly  opposite  each  other,  their  longest  rays  a  little  shorter 
than  postorbital  part  of  head;  caudal  fin  forked,  the  lobes  of  equal 
length,  the  median  ray  produced  into  a  long  filament;  ventral  fins 
small,  about  two-thirds  the  length  of  pectorals,  inserted  slightly  nearer 
tip  of  snout  than  base  of  caudal ;  pectoral  fins  short,  8.0  to  8.42  in  head. 

Color  nearly  uniform  dark  brown  above,  pale  below. 

There  are  31  specimens,  ranging  from  365  to  535  mm.  in  length, 
in  the  present  collection.  We  have  examined  other  specimens  collected 
by  the  "Albatross"  at  Mazatlan  and  Panama.  It  is  readily  distin- 
guished from  all  other  species  of  this  genus  by  the  wide  interorbital 
with  the  perfectly  smooth  median  furrow.  The  snout  is  shorter,  the 
mouth  smaller,  the  dorsal  and  anal  fins  are  slightly  longer,  and  the 
lateral  line  is  entirely  unarmed. 

Known  from  Mazatlan  and  Panama.  Our  specimens  are  from 
Taboga  Island,  and  Balboa.  All,  except  one,  were  collected  at  Taboga 
Island,  where  the  species  seems  to  be  rather  common  and  where  they 
were  taken  in  a  small  seine  along  a  sandy  shore,  usually  one  or  two  to 
a  haul. 

\ 

187.  Fistularia  tabacaria  Linnaeus. 
Fistularia  tabacaria  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  312;  Bloch, 

Ichthyol.,  1794,  PI.  CCCLXXXVII,  fig.  i;  Jordan  &  Evermann, 

Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  757;  Evermann  &  Marsh, 

Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XX,  Pt.  I,  1900  (1902),  106;  Sumner, 

Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XXXI,  Pt.  II,  1911  (1913),  746. 
Fistularia  neoboracencis   Mitchill,   Trans.    Lit.    &   Phil.    Soc.    N.   Y., 

I,  1815,  437  (New  York). 

Flagellaria  fistularis  Gronow,  Cat.  Fish,  1854,  146  (American  Ocean). 
Aulastome  marcgravii  Castelnau,  Anim.  Nouv.  Rares  Amer.  Sud, 

1855,  30  (Bahia;  Rio  Janeiro). 
Fistularia  tabaccaria  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  Ill,  1861,  529; 

Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI,  1883,  389. 

Head  2.6  to  2.8 ;  depth  9.8  to  15.0  in  head ;  D.  13  to  15 ;  A.  13  to  15. 

Body  very  elongate,  strongly  depressed;  head  nearly  quadrate, 
slightly  wider  than  deep;  snout  very  long,  its  upper  lateral  ridges 
nearly  smooth;  the  superior  ridges  rather  close  together,  and  parallel, 
gradually  approaching  each  other  anteriorly  and  meeting  at  tip  of 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   251 

upper  jaw,  1.35  to  1.4  in  head;  orbit  9.6  to  11.7;  interorbital  (bone) 
rather  narrow,  4.7  to  6.2  in  postorbital  part  of  head,  deeply  concave, 
the  median  furrow  occupying  its  entire  width,  little  striate;  serrse 
over  posterior  portion  of  orbit  and  in  front  of  eye  almost  completely 
wanting;  lower  surface  of  head  and  snout  little  rugose;  mouth  mod- 
erate, slightly  oblique;  lower  jaw  projecting,  maxillary  concave  poster- 
iorly, 8.4  to  11.4  in  length  of  head;  skin  slightly  rough;  lateral  line 
posteriorly  armed  with  small  bony  scutes,  these  not  evident  in  very 
young;  dorsal  and  anal  similar,  and  directly  opposite  each  other,  their 
longest  rays  equal  to  postorbital  part  of  head;  caudal  forked,  the 
lobes  of  equal  length,  with  the  median  ray  produced  into  a  long 
filament;  ventral  fins  about  two-thirds  the  length  of  pectorals,  inserted 
much  nearer  the  base  of  caudal  than  tip  of  snout;  pectoral  fins  rather 
short,  8.0  to  9.5  in  head. 

Color  in  life  greenish  brown  above;  pale  below;  sides  with  a  row 
of  blue  spots  from  snout  to  base  of  caudal;  a  row  of  smaller  blue 
spots  close  to  vertebral  line  of  back;  sides  and  back  with  about  10 
cross-bars,  a  little  darker  than  the  ground  color;  caudal  filament 
deep  blue;  the  blue  spots  and  the  bars  rapidly  disappearing  in  pre- 
served specimens,  leaving  the  back  uniform  brown. 

This  species  is  represented  by  2  specimens,  135  and  240  mm.  in 
length.  We  have  compared  these  with  numerous  specimens  from  the 
eastern  coast  of  the  United  States.  It  is  distinguished  from  F.  depressa 
and  F.  petimba  by  the  almost  complete  absence  of  serrations  on  the 
head  and  snout.  The  superior  ridges  on  the  snout  are  arranged  as  in 
F.  petimba,  but  the  sculpturing  of  the  head  is  less  prominent. 

Known  from  the  Atlantic  coast  of  America,  from  Massachusetts 
south  to  Rio  Janeiro.  Our  specimens  are  from  Fox  Bay,  Colon. 

188.  Fistularia  depressa  Giinther. 

Fistularia  depressa  Giinther,  Shore  Fishes,  Challenger,  1880,  69,  PL 
XXXII,  fig.  D  (Sulu  Islands,  Natal,  Zanzibar,  Amboyna,  China, 
New  Guinea,  New  South  Wales,  Fiji,  Lower  California)  ;  Jordan 
&  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  757;  Jordan 
&  Starks,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1903,  66;  Gilbert  &  Starks, 
Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  55  (Panama). 

Fistularia  petimba  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XXIII, 
Pt.  I,  1903  (1905),  116;  Snyder,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1912,  408. 
Head  2.6  to  2.84 ;  depth  9.6  to  12.0  in  head ;  D.  14  to  16 ;  A.  13  to  15. 
Body  very  elongate,  strongly  depressed ;  head  depressed,  notably 

wider  than  deep ;  snout  very  long,  its  upper  lateral  ridges  with  rather 


252   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

small  serrae  on  posterior  two-thirds,  the  superior  ridges  rather  far 
apart,  diverging  on  anterior  half  of  snout,  then  approaching  each 
other  gradually  and  meeting  at  tip  of  upper  jaw;  snout  1.3  to  1.4 
in  head;  orbit  9.8  to  12.0;  interorbital  (bone)  rather  narrow,  4.9  to 
5.75  in  postorbital  part  of  head,  the  median  furrow  with  a  narrow 
ridge  in  the  center,  the  sides  rather  strongly  striate;  serrae  over 
posterior  part  of  orbit  and  in  front  of  eye  short  and  blunt;  lower 
surface  of  head  and  snout  smooth,  without  serrae;  mouth  moderate, 
oblique;  lower  jaw  projecting;  maxillary  posteriorly  concave,  8.9  to 
12.0  in  head;  skin  smooth;  lateral  line  posteriorly  with  weak  bony 
scutes,  these  not  visible  in  young;  dorsal  and  anal  similar,  and  directly 
opposite  each  other,  their  longest  rays  a  little  shorter  than  postorbital 
part  of  head;  caudal  fin  forked,  the  lobes  of  equal  length,  with  the 
median  ray  produced  into  a  long  filament;  ventral  fins  small,  about 
two-thirds  the  length  of  pectorals,  inserted  notably  nearer  base  of 
caudal  than  tip  of  snout;  pectoral  fins  short,  8.1  to  10.6  in  head. 

Color  in  spirits  very  dark  brown  above,  pale  below;  a  series  of 
blue  spots  in  front  of  the  dorsal  on  each  side  of  median  line  of  back; 
back  of  dorsal  a  single  series  of  spots  occupies  the  median  line  of  back ;  a 
more  or  less  interrupted  blue,  lateral  stripe  is  also  present. 

Of  this  species  only  2  large  specimens,  750  and  885  mm.  in  length, 
and  2  small  ones,  150  to  200  mm.  long,  were  secured.  We  have 
compared  them  with  specimens  from  Japan  and  Hawaii,  with  which 
they  seem  to  agree  perfectly. 

Recorded  from  Zanzibar,  the  East  Indies,  Australia,  China,  Japan, 
Hawaii  and  the  Pacific  coast  of  America  from  Lower  California  south 
to  Panama.  Our  specimens  are  from  Naos  Island  and  Panama 
market. 

189.  Fistularia  petimba  Lacepede. 

Fistularia  tabacaria  Bloch,  Ichthyol.,   1794,  PI.  CCCLXXXVII,  fig. 

2  ("Coll.  Linke  at  Leipzig,"  wrongly  figured  as  spotted  with  blue; 

2  caudal  filaments). 
Fistularia  petimba  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V.  1803,  349   (New 

Britain,  Isle  of  Reunion,  equatorial  Pacific;  based  on  specimens 

and  manuscripts  of  Commerson ;  snout  serrate ;  body  immaculate)  ; 

Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  758; 

Jordan  &  Starks,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1903,  67. 
Fistularia  scrrata  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  I,  II,  1817,  349  (after 

Bloch)  ;    Giinther,    Cat    Fish.    Brit.    Mus.,    Ill,    1861,    533,    and 

Shore  Fishes,  Challenger,  1880,  68,  PI.  XXXII,  fig.  C;  Jordan  & 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   253 

Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish.  Comm.,  XXIII,  Pt.  I,  1903  (1905),  116; 

Snyder,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1912,  408. 
Fistnlaria  immaculata  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  I,  II,  1817,  349  (Sea 

of  the  Indies;  after  Commerson  and  John  White). 
Fistularia  commersonii  Riippel,  Neue  Wirbelthiere,   1835,   142    (Red 

Sea). 

Head  2.5  to  2.7;  depth  in  front  of  pectorals  12  to  18.8  in  head; 
D.  14  or  15;  A.  14  or  15. 

Body  very  elongate,  and  very  strongly  depressed;  head  somewhat 
quadrate,  not  much  wider  than  deep ;  snout  very  long,  its  upper  lateral 
ridges  with  sharp  serrse  on  posterior  three-fourths,  the  superior  ridges 
close  together,  and  nearly  parallel,  not  diverging  perceptibly  on  anterior 
half  of  snout,  meeting  each  other  at  tip  of  upper  jaw;  snout  1.3  to  1.4 
in  head;  orbit  u.o  to  15.0;  interorbital  (bone)  narrow,  4.45  to  6.85 
in  postorbital  part  of  head,  deeply  concave,  the  median  furrow  occupy- 
ing nearly  the  entire  width,  the  middle  of  furrow  with  a  slight  ridge, 
the  sides  with  rather  prominent  ridges;  serrse  over  posterior  part  of 
orbit  and  in  front  of  eye  sharp;  lower  surface  of  head  and  snout 
rugose,  the  ridges'  slightly  serrate;  mouth  rather  small,  very  slightly 
oblique;  lower  jaw  projecting;  maxillary  posteriorly  concave,  9.75  to 
15  in  head;  skin  rough,  feeling  harsh  like  fine  shagreen;  the  lateral 
line  posteriorly  armed  with  strong  bony  scutes,  present  at  all  ages ; 
dorsal  and  anal  similar,  placed  directly  opposite  each  other,  their 
longest  rays  a  little  longer  than  postorbital  part  of  head ;  caudal  forked, 
the  lobes  of  equal  length,  with  the  median  ray  produced  into  a  long 
filament;  ventral  fins  small,  about  two-thirds  the  length  of  pectorals, 
inserted  much  nearer  base  of  caudal  than  tip  of  snout;  pectoral  fins 
short,  9.7  to  10.8  in  head. 

Color  of  our  small  specimen  pale  brown  in  alcohol,  probably 
reddish  in  life;  with  indistinct  cross-bars.  Of  these  bars  there  are 
about  8  on  the  snout  and  about  20  on  the  body. 

A  single  small  specimen,  105  mm.  in  length,  represents  this  species 
in  the  present  collection.  We  have  compared  it  with  several  specimens 
from  Japan,  one  specimen  from  the  Philippine  Islands,  and  3  speci- 
mens from  the  Hawaiian  Islands.  There  is  a  specimen  from  Rhode 
Island  in  the  National  Museum  which  undoubtedly  also  belongs  to 
this  species.  The  above  description  is  based  on  all  of  the  specimens 
examined  which  range  in  length  from  105  to  475  mm.,  exclusive  of 
caudal  filament.  The  old  alcoholic  specimens  at  hand  have  no  trace 
of  the  cross-bars  left,  but  that  these  are  normally  present  in  fresh 
material  is  indicated  by  a  description  by  Jordan  &  Starks  (Proc.  U.  S. 


254    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Nat.  Mus.,  1903,  p.  67)  based  on  specimens  from  Japan.  This  species 
may  be  distinguished  from  F.  depressa  by  the  less  strongly  depressed 
head,  and  by  the  stronger  sculpturing  of  its  upper  surface.  The 
median  furrow  of  the  interorbital  is  deeper;  the  superior  ridges  on 
the  snout  are  closer  together  and  more  nearly  parallel.  The  serrations 
on  the  head  and  snout  are  notably  stronger;  the  skin  is  rough,  the 
armature  of  the  lateral  line  is  much  stronger ;  the  dorsal  and  anal  are 
a  little  higher,  and  the  color  of  the  body  is  notably  lighter. 

Recorded  from  nearly  all  warm  seas.  Heretofore  not  recorded 
from  the  Pacific  coast  of  America.  On  the  Atlantic  coast  it  has  been 
recorded  from  Bermuda  and  Massachusetts.  Massachusetts  records 
were,  however,  later  referred  to  the  synonomy  of  F.  tabacaria.  Our 
specimen  was  taken  at  Chame  Point,  by  Mr.  Robert  Tweedlie. 

Order  XIII.     Lophobranchii. 

Family  XXXIV.    Syngnathida. 

THE  PIPE-FISHES. 

Body  elongate,  covered  with  bony  rings  which  are  firmly  con- 
nected ;  snout  long,  shaped  like  a  tube,  bearing  the  small  mouth  at  its 
tip;  jaws  toothless;  gill-openings  reduced  to  a  small  aperture  near 
upper  angle  of  opercle;  tail  long,  sometimes  prehensile.  Males  with 
an  egg  pouch,  usually  placed  on  the  under  side  of  the  tail,  sometimes 
under  the  abdomen,  commonly  formed  by  two  folds  of  skin  which 
meet  on  the  median  line.  The  eggs  are  received  into  this  pouch  and 
there  retained  until  after  hatching,  when  it  opens,  permitting  the  young 
to  escape.  Dorsal  fin  simple,  of  soft  rays  only;  caudal  fin,  if  present, 
small;  anal  usually  present,  minute;  ventrals  none;  pectorals  small  or 
wanting. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA. 

a.  Tail  prehensile;  the  head  shaped  like  that  of  a  horse,  placed 
nearly  at  a  right  angle  to  axis  of  body.       Hippocampus,  p.  255. 

aa.     Tail  not  prehensile;  the  head  elongate,  not  shaped  like  that  of 
a  horse,  usually  in  line  with  the  axis  of  the  body. 

b.  Males  with  the  egg  pouch  under  the  tail ;  ridges  on  body  not 
especially  prominent ;  tail  usually  longer  than  rest  of  body. 

Syngnathus,  p.  256. 

bb.     Males  with  the  egg  pouch  under  the  abdomen ;  ridges  on  body 
prominent ;  tail  shorter  than  rest  of  body. 

Doryrhamphus,  p.  261. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA — MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   255 

74.  Genus  Hippocampus  Rafinesque. 

Hippocampus  Rafinesque,  Caratteri,  etc.,  1810,  18   (type  Syngnathus 

hippocampus  Linnaeus). 

Body  compressed,  tapering  abruptly  into  a  long  quadrangular, 
prehensile  tail ;  head  placed  nearly  at  a  right  angle  to  the  body,  shaped 
remarkably  like  that  of  a  horse;  top  of  head  with  a  star-shaped 
coronet ;  egg  pouch  in  males  placed  at  base  of  tail,  just  back  of  vent ; 
dorsal  fin  moderate,  placed  over  vent ;  anal  fin  small,  usually  present ; 
pectorals  short  and  broad. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Dorsal  rather  short,  with  16  to  18  rays-;  placed  over  2  +  1 
or  2  rings,  its  base  2.8  to  3.1  in  head;  rings  n  or  12  -f-  34 
or  35.  punctulatus,  p.  255. 

aa.  Dorsal  slightly  longer,  with  18  or  20  (usually  19)  rays,  placed 
over  2*/2  or  3  -(-  i  or  i^  rings,  its  base  1.95  to  2.3  in  head; 
rings  12  or  13  -j-  36  to  39.  ing  ens,  p.  256. 

190.  Hippocampus  punctulatus  Guichenot. 

Hippocampus  punctulatus  Guichenot,  in  Sagra,  Hist.  Phys.  Polit.  Nat. 

Cuba.,  IV,  Pt.  II,  1853,  174,  PI.  V,  fig.  2  (Cuba)  ;  Jordan  &  Ever- 

mann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  777. 
Hippocampus  marginalis  Heckel,  in  Kaup,  Cat.  JLophobr.  Fish,  1856, 

15  (Mexico). 
Hippocampus  fascicularis  Heckel,  in  Kaup,  Cat.  Lophobr.  Fish,  1856, 

15  (Mexico). 
Hippocampus  longirostris  Kaup,  Cat.  Lophobr.  Fish,   1856,   12    (not 

of  Cuvier). 
Hippocampus  guttulatus  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  VIII,  1870, 

202  (probably  not  of  Cuvier). 

Depth  1.4  to  1.85  in  head;  D.  16  to  18;  A.  4;  rings  n  or  12  -j-  34 

or  35- 

Body  with  blunt  spines,  which  grow  shorter  with  age,  and  not 
bearing  cirri;  rings  with  short  dermal  flaps,  these  most  evident  in 
young;  head  with  rather  high  spines,  bearing  no  cirri;  skin  on  head 
and  snout  with  dermal  papillae  or  small  flaps;  snout  about  as  long 
as  rest  of  head,  directed  upward  at  the  tip,  1.9  to  2.3  in  head;  eye  5.1  to 
6.6;  the  small  mouth  vertical;  dorsal  fin  over  2  -j-  I  or  2  rings,  its 
base  2.8  to  3.1  in  head;  anal  fin  small;  pectorals  broader  than  long, 
5.6  to  7.7  in  head. 


256   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Color  of  specimens  at  hand  plain  dark  brown.  Specimens  from 
other  localities,  which  we  have  examined,  are  often  much  spotted. 

This  species  is  represented  by  3  female  specimens,  ranging  in 
length  from  about  55  to  85  mm.,  and  they  form  the  basis  for  the  above 
description. 

Known  from  the  tropical  parts  of  the  Atlantic,  from  America  to 
Africa.  Our  specimens  are  from  Colon  and  Porto  Bello. 

191.  Hippocampus  ingens  Girard. 

Hippocampus  ingens  Girard,  (House  of  Repr.  Ex.  Doc.  No.  91)  Rept. 
Expl.  &  Surv.  Miss.  R.  to  Pac.  O.,  X,  Pt.  IV,  1858,  342  (San 
Diego)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896, 
776;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  57  (Panama 
Bay). 

Hippocampus  gracilis  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  282  (Cape 
San  Lucas). 
Depth  1.4  to  2.85  in  head;  D.  18  to  20;  A.  4  or  5;  rings  12  or  13 

-f  36  to  39. 

Body  with  blunt  spines,  bearing  no  cirri;  rings  with  papillae  and 
small  dermal  flaps,  these  most  evident  in  young;  the  depth  increasing 
greatly  with  age ;  head  with  high  spines,  bearing  no  cirri,  the  snout  usu- 
ally about  as  long  as  rest  of  head,  1.95  to  2.3  in  head;  eye  5.2  to  7.2; 
the  small  mouth  almost  vertical ;  egg  pouch  rather  short,  occupying  8  or 
9  rings;  dorsal  over  2^2  or  3  -)-  I  or  1^/2  rings,  its  base  1.95  to  2.3  in 
head ;  anal  fin  minute ;  pectorals  about  as  wide  as  long,  5.2  to  6.2  in  head. 

Color  very  variable,  sometimes  plain  blackish,  others  brownish 
with  darker  spots  and  numerous  white  dots,  which  often  form  wavy 
lines.  One  of  our  specimens,  a  female,  is  of  light  brown,  with  fewer 
black  spots;  the  white  points  are  also  much  fewer,  and  the  body  is 
crossed  by  12  pale  bars.  Of  this  species  we  have  9  (4  male  and  5 
female)  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  about  45  to  180  mm. 

Known  from  California  southward  to  Panama  Bay.  Our  speci- 
mens are  from  Chame  Point  and  the  Panama  market. 

75.  Genus  Syngnathus  Linnaeus. 

Syngnathus  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  336  (type  Syngnathus 

acus  Linnaeus). 
Siphostoma   Rafinesque,   Caratteri,   etc.,    1810,    18    (type  Syngnathus 

pelagicus  Linnaeus). 

Body  very  elongate,  6  or  7  angled,  not  compressed,  tapering  into  a 
long  tail;  head  slender;  snout  long,  tube-like,  bearing  the  very  small 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   257 

toothless  mouth  at  its  tip;  humeral  bones  firmly  united  to  the  "breast 
ring";  dorsal  fin  distinct;  caudal  fin  present,  rather  small;  anal  fin,  if 
present,  minute,  placed  close  behind  vent;  pectorals  present,  short  and 
rather  broad.  Male  fishes  with  the  egg  pouch  along  the  under  side  of 
the  tail. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Snout  long  and  slender,  longer  than  rest  of  head,  1.6  to  1.95 
in  head ;  dorsal  over  4  or  5  caudal  rings. 

b.  Head  and  snout  very  long,  6.1   to  6.65   in  length;  body  of 
females  rather  deep,  the  abdomen  with  a  prominent  keel,  which 
has  a  black  edge;  males  more  slender,  the  abdomen  convex 
but  without  a  prominent  keel;  pectorals  short,  scarcely  longer 
than  wide,  7.5  to  8.7  in  head.  tnackayi,  p.  257. 

bb.  Head  and  snout  shorter,  7.5  to  8.5  in  length ;  body  of  both  males 
and  females  very  slender,  the  abdomen  convex,  but  without  a 
distinct  keel ;  pectoral  fins  notably  longer  than  wide,  5.0  to  5.8 
in  head.  rousseau,  p.  258. 

aa.  Snout  less  slender,  equal  to  or  shorter  than  rest  of  head,  2.0  to 
2.6  in  head ;  dorsal  over  6  to  8  caudal  rings. 

c.  Head  and  snout  rather  long,  6.6  in  length;  dorsal  fin  short, 
with  24  rays,  its  base  shorter  than  head,  9.1  in  length;  anal  fin 
present ;  caudal  fin  emarginate.  tweedliei  sp.  nov.,  p.  259. 

cc.  Head  and  snout  shorter,  9.2  to  10.5  in  length;  dorsal  fin  long, 
with  30  rays  or  more,  its  base  longer  than  head,  6.6  to  8.8  in 
length;  anal  fin  wanting;  caudal  fin  rounded. 

d.  Dorsal  fin  moderate,  with  30  to  32  rays,  its  base  8.1  to  8.8  in 
length ;  caudal  rings  about  37  or  38  in  number. 

elcapitanense,  p.  260. 

dd.  Dorsal  long,  with  35  rays,  its  base  6.6  in  length;  caudal  rings 
about  47.  mindii  sp.  nov.,  p.  261. 

192.  Syngnathus  mackayi  (Swain   &  Meek). 

Siphostoma  MacKayi  Swain  &  Meek,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1884, 

239  (Key  West). 
Siphostoma  tnackayi  Jordan  &  Evermann,   Bull.  U.   S.   Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  766. 

Head  6.1  to  6.65;  depth  in  females  16  to  19,  males  21  to  28;  D. 
26  to  28;  rings  16  or  17  -f  32  to  37. 

Body  of   females  rather  deep,  with  a  prominent  ventral  keel  in 
front  of  vent,  ventral  surface  flat  back  of  vent;  males  more  slender, 


258    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

ventral  surface  in  front  of  vent  only  slightly  convex,  and  without  a 
distinct  keel;  caudal  portion  long,  1.6  to  1.9  in  length  of  body;  top  of 
head  with  a  slight  ridge;  snout  longer  than  rest  of  head,  with  a  low 
ridge  above,  1.6  to  1.75  in  head;  eye  8.1  to  9.7;  opercles  with  a  slight 
ridge  in  front,  with  pits  of  radiating  lines;  caudal  pouch  of  males 
short,  about  4.7  in  body,  occupying  13  rings;  dorsal  inserted  in  ad- 
vance of  vent,  over  \y2  or  2  -f-  4  or  5  rings,  its  base  about  equal  to 
length  of  snout,  its  base  10  to  10.5  in  body;  anal  fin  with  only  2  or  3 
rays,  scarcely  as  long  as  eye;  caudal  fin  well  developed,  rounded,  the 
median  rays  the  longest;  pectorals  short,  scarcely  as  long  as  wide,  7.5 
to  8.7  in  head. 

Color  in  life,  of  female,  brown,  with  yellowish  above,  yellowish 
green  below;  a  dark  line  on  abdominal  keel;  a  wide  and  less  distinct 
dark  band  on  ventral  surface  back  of  vent;  a  dark  green  streak  from 
snout  through  eye  to  pectoral;  sides  with  blue  bars,  these  becoming 
broken  up  into  blue  and  brown  dots  on  caudal  portion;  dorsal  with 
brown  dots,  these  often  forming  bars  at  right  angles  to  the  rays; 
caudal  brown,  with  blue  dots.  The  males  without  dark  abnominal 
streak,  and  always  with  fewer  bars  and  more  numerous  dots. 

This  species  is  represented  by  5  male  and  15  female  specimens, 
ranging  from  140  to  215  mm.  in  length.  We  have  compared  them 
with  the  type,  with  which  they  agree  in  all  particulars,  except  that 
the  dorsal  fin  is  slightly  shorter  in  our  specimens.  The  type  has  29 
dorsal  rays,  and  the  base  of  dorsal  is  contained  9.0  times  in  length  of 
body. 

Known  from  Florida  southward  to  Panama.  Previously  not  re- 
corded south  of  Yucatan.  Our  specimens  are  from  Colon  and  Porto 
Bello. 

193.  Syngnathus  rousseau  Kaup. 

Syngnathus  rousseau  Kaup,  Cat.  Lophobr.  Fish,  1856,  40  (Martinique). 

Siphostoma  rousseau  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1889,  647 ;  Jor- 
dan &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  767. 
Head  7.5  to  8.5;  depth  25  to  37;  D.  26  to  28;  rings  17  or  18  +  32 

to  35- 

Body  of  both  males  and  females  very  slender,  increasing  in  depth 
with  age;  ventral  surface  in  front  of  vent  slightly  convex,  without  a 
definite  keel,  back  of  vent  distinctly  concave;  caudal  portion  long,  1.7 
to  1.8  in  length  of  body;  top  of  head  with  a  rather  prominent  keel; 
snout  longer  than  rest  of  head,  with  a  keel  above,  1.85  to  1.95  in  head; 
eye  6.8  to  8.7;  opercles  without  a  definite  ridge;  caudal  pouch  of 


THE  UBRARY 
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DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   259 

males  very  short,  4.75  in  body,  occupying  12  rings;  dorsal  inserted  in 
advance  of  vent,  over  2  +  4  °r  5  rings,  its  base  9.5  to  n  in  length 
of  body;  anal  fin  very  small,  composed  of  only  2  or  3  rays,  which  are 
about  as  long  as  eye;  caudal  fin  well  developed,  rounded,  the  median 
rays  the  longest;  pectorals  moderate,  notably  longer  than  wide,  5.0 
to  5.8  in  head. 

Color  brownish;  some  specimens  almost  plain,  others  with  nu- 
merous pale  dots,  and  more  or  less  distinct  pale  cross-bars;  a  dark 
band  on  snout  through  eye  to  pectoral  fin;  dorsal  with  dark  vertical 
bars;  caudal  brownish. 

We  have  identified  21  specimens,  6  males  and  15  females,  ranging 
in  length  from  70  to  210  mm.,  as  this  species.  We  have  in  this  con- 
nection examined  the  few  available  specimens  of  the  closely  related 
5".  pelagicum  from  the  Bahamas,  West  Indies  and  Genoa.  This  is 
apparently  a  very  varied  species,  and  it  does  not  seem  improbable 
that  5*.  rousseau  may  prove  to  be  only  a  slender  variety  of  the  former. 
We  have  also  for  comparison  a  specimen  identified  as  S.  rousseau  by 
Jordan  (Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1889,  647)  from  St.  Lucas,  W.  I.  This 
specimen  has  a  somewhat  shorter  head  (7.2  in  length)  ;  the  dorsal  is 
over  1+6  rings,  and  the  caudal  pouch  occupies  only  1 1  rings. 

Known  only  from  the  West  Indies.  The  range  is  now  extended 
to  Panama.  Our  specimens  are  from  Toro  Point,  Colon  and  Porto 
Bello. 

194.  Syngnathus  tweedliei  sp.  nov.     (Plate  XVIII,  fig.  i.) 

Type  No.  82088,  U.  S.  N.  M. ;  length  75  mm.;  Chame  Point, 
Panama. 

Head  6.6;  depth  24;  D.  24;  rings  15  -f-  32. 

Body  slender,  the  caudal  portion  much  the  longer,  1.75  in  length 
without  caudal  fin;  the  ventral  surface  in  front  of  vent  convex,  with 
a  blunt  keel,  back  of  vent  notably  concave;  the  top  of  head  with  a 
slight  keel;  snout  as  long  as  the  rest  of  head,  carinate  above,  2  in 
head;  eye  9.6;  opercles  with  a  slight  ridge  in  front,  with  radiating 
striae;  origin  of  dorsal  over  vent,  occupying  I  -f~  6  rings,  its  base 
shorter  than  head,  9.1  in  length  of  body;  anal  fin  present,  very  small, 
with  two  rays  which  are  scarcely  as  long  as  the  eye ;  caudal  fin  emar- 
ginate,  the  outer  rays  the  longest,  about  equal  to  length  of  eye;  pec- 
toral fins  scarcely  longer  than  wide;  5.8  in  length  of  head. 

Color  plain  grayish,  caudal  portion  slightly  darker  than  rest  of 
body. 


26o   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

The  type  and  only  specimen  is  a  female  75  mm.  long.  It  was 
taken  at  Chame  Point  by  Mr.  Robert  Tweedlie,  for  whom  the  species 
is  named. 

195.  Syngnathus    elcapitanense    (Meek   &   Hildebrand).      (Plate 
XIX.) 

Siphostoma  auliscus  Gilbert  &   Starks,   Memoir.   Cal.  Ac.   Sci.,   IV, 

1904,  57  (not  of  Swain;  Panama). 
Siphostoma  elcapitanense  Meek  &  Hildebrand,  in  Meek,  Field  Mus.  Nat. 

Hist.  Pub.,  Zool.  Ser.,  X,  1914,  119  (El  Capitan,  Panama;  Jesus 

Maria  and  Turrubales,  Costa  Rica). 

Type  No.  81735,  U.  S.  N.  M.;  length  150  mm.;  Rio  Mamoni, 
El  Capitan,  Panama. 

Head  9.5  to  10.5 ;  depth  19  to  34;  D.  30  to  32;  rings  14  +  37  or  38. 

Body  slender,  the  depth  varying  greatly  with  age  and  sex,  the  young 
and  the  males  being  much  more  slender;  caudal  portion  very  long,  1.5 
to  1.6  in  length  without  caudal;  ventral  surface  in  front  of  vent 
convex,  with  a  blunt  keel,  flat  behind  vent ;  top  of  head  with  a  feebly 
developed  ridge;  snout  slightly  shorter  than  rest  of  head,  compara- 
tively shorter  in  young  than  in  adult,  carinate  above,  2.15  to  2.6  in 
head ;  eye  6  to  9.3 ;  opercles  with  a  slight  ridge,  extending  from  shortly 
back  of  eye  to  its  upper  anterior  angle;  caudal  pouch  of  males  short, 
3.4  to  3.8  in  length  of  body,  occupying  15  or  16  rings;  origin  of  dorsal 
over  or  in  ring  behind  vent,  occupying  7  or  8  rings ;  base  of  dorsal  longer 
than  head,  8.1  to  8.8  in  length  of  body;  anal  fin  wanting;  caudal  fin 
rounded,  the  median  rays  the  longest,  about  as  long  as  postorbital 
portion  of  head;  pectorals  scarcely  longer  than  wide,  4.2  to  5.5  in 
length  of  head. 

Color  mostly  grayish;  marked  and  spotted  with  pearly  gray  and 
dark  spots. 

Of  this  species  we  have  2  male  and  9  female  specimens,  ranging 
in  length  from  50  to  150  mm.  It  resembles  S.  auliscus  Swain  (Proc. 
U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882,  310),  but  it  has  a  shorter  head,  fewer  body 
rings;  the  dorsal  is  situated  wholly  on  the  caudal  portion  of  body,  its 
base  is  apparently  longer;  the  caudal  pouch  of  males  is  much  shorter 
and  the  anal  fin  is  wholly  wanting. 

Our  specimens  are  from  Chame  Point,  Rio  Calobre,  Rio  Mamoni 
at  El  Capitan  and  Chepo,  and  Rio  Tuyra  at  Boca  de  Cupe.  All,  ex- 
cept one  specimen  from  the  first  named  locality,  are  from  fresh  water. 
The  species  also  is  reported  from  Costa  Rica. 


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DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   261 

196.  Syngnathus  mindii  sp.  nov.  (Plate  XVIII,  fig.  2.) 

Type  No.  81770,  U.  S.  N.  M.;  length  95  mm.;  creek  near  Mindi, 
Canal  Zone. 

Head  9.2 ;  depth  30;  D.  35 ;  rings  14  -f  47. 

Body  of  male  very  slender;  ridges  rather  blunt,  without  spines; 
ventral  surface  in  front  of  vent  convex,  with  a  slight  keel;  caudal 
portion  much  longer  than  rest  of  body,  1.55  in  length  of  body;  top  of 
head  with  a  slight  ridge ;  snout  very  short  and  blunt,  depressed,  equal 
to  postorbital  portion  of  head,  with  a  rather  prominent  ridge  above, 
2.5  in  head;  eye  6.65;  opercles  without  a  definite  ridge,  with  many 
radiating  lines;  caudal  pouch  short,  4.1  in  length  of  body,  occupying  14 
rings ;  dorsal  inserted  over  vent,  over  I  -f-  8  rings,  its  base  notably 
longer  than  head,  6.6  in  length  of  body ;  anal  fin  wanting  in  the  speci- 
men at  hand;  caudal  fin  well  developed,  slightly  rounded;  pectorals 
somewhat  longer  than  wide,  5.0  in  head. 

Color  in  life,  light  brown;  ventral  surface  in  front  of  vent  green- 
ish; egg  pouch  reddish  brown;  a  brown  bar  on  snout  through  eye; 
dorsal  and  pectorals  yellowish;  caudal  fin  black  with  a  yellowish 
margin. 

Of  this  species  we  have  but  a  single  specimen,  a  male  95  mm.  long, 
which  was  taken  in  a  brackish  creek  at  Mindi. 


76.  Genus  Doryrhamphus  Kaup. 

Doryrhamphus  Kaup,  Archiv.  Naturg.,  XXXIII,  1853,  233,  and  Cat. 

Lophobr.  Fish,  1856,  54  (type  Doryrhamphus  exrisus  Kaup) . 

Pectoral  fins  well  developed;  ridges  of  body  prominent;  tail  shorter 
than  rest  of  body.  Egg  pouch  of  males  under  abdomen. 

197.  Doryrhamphus  lineatus  (Valenciennes). 

Doryichthys  lineatus  Valenciennes,  MS.,  in  Kaup,  Cat.  Lophobr.  Fish, 

1856,  59  (Bahia,  Mexico,  and  Guadeloupe). 

Doryichthys  aculeatus  Kaup,  Cat.  Lophobr.  Fish,  1856,  61   (Egypt). 
Doryrhamphus  lineatus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  773;  Eigenmann,  Memoir.  Carnegie  Mus.,  V,  1912, 

463. 

Head  4.85  to  5.6 ;  depth  18  to  31 ;  D.  40  to  43 ;  rings  19  or  20  +  22 
or  23. 

Body  slender,  increasing  in  depth  with  age,  the  young  extremely 
slender ;  caudal  portion  shorter  than  rest  of  body,  2.45  to  2.6  in  length ; 
ventral  surface  in  females  with  a  keel  in  front  of  vent,  flat  behind 


262    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

vent;  body  ridges  prominent,  with  sharp  spines-  in  the  young,  these 
become  blunter  and  finally  disappear  with  age;  lateral  line  uninter- 
rupted, passing  into  the  lower  ridge  of  tail;  top  of  head  with  three 
ridges;  snout  very  much  longer  than  rest  of  head,  with  several  ridges, 
the  tip  directed  upward,  1.5  to  1.75  in  head;  eye  8  to  9.6;  the  small 
mouth  vertical;  opercles  with  one  evident  ridge  and  2  or  3  smaller 
ones;  egg  pouch  of  male  occupying  all  of  the  body  rings  except  the 
anterior  two;  dorsal  long,  inserted  in  advance  of  vent,  over  2  or  3  -f- 
5^2  or  6  rings,  its  base  somewhat  longer  than  snout,  7.0  to  8.35  in 
length  of  body;  anal  very  small,  with  only  I  or  2  rays,  which  are 
shorter  than  eye;  caudal  rounded,  the  median  rays  the  longest,  slightly 
shorter  than  postorbital  portion  of  head;  pectorals  wider  than  long; 
snout  equal  to  length  of  eye. 

Color  in  life  very  dark  greenish  brown;  sides  with  a  very  narrow 
silvery  stripe  just  below  lateral  line,  wanting  in  young;  snout  mostly 
reddish,  its  sides  with  4  or  5  black  spots,  these  faint  or  wanting  in 
young  individuals. 

Of  this  species  we  have  66  (6  male  and  60  female)  specimens, 
ranging  in  length  from  85  to  150  mm.  All  were  taken  in  slightly 
brackish  creeks. 

A  widely  distributed  species,  known  from  the  tropical  parts  of  the 
Atlantic  from  America  and  Africa.  Our  specimens  are  from  Toro 
Point  and  Hindi. 

Order  XIV.     Acanthopteri. 
Family  XXXV.    Atherinidae  * 

THE  SiLVERsroEs. 

Body  rather  elongate,  more  or  less  compressed;  cleft  of  mouth 
moderate  or  rather  small;  teeth  small,  present  on  jaws,  sometimes  on 
vomer  and  palatines,  rarely  wanting;  gill-membranes  separate,  free 
from  the  isthmus;  gills  4,  a  slit  behind  the  fourth;  branchiostegals  5 
or  6 ;  pseudobranchiae  present ;  scales  moderate  or  small,  cycloid  or  not ; 
no  pyloric  caeca;  air  bladder  present;  vertebra  rather  numerous,  usu- 

*The  study  of  this  family  was  completed  and  the  manuscript  prepared  before 
Jordan  &  Hubb's  work,  "A  Monographic  Review  of  the  Family  of  Atherinidx 
or  Silversides"  (Leland  Stanford  Junior  University  Publications,  University 
Series,  1919,  87  pages,  n  plates  with  40  figures),  was  published.  The  genera  as 
understood  and  used  in  the  present  paper,  therefore,  do  not  agree  with  this 
recent  work,  in  which  further  divisions  were  made.  The  reader  is  referred  to 
the  above  mentioned  paper  for  a  more  detailed  study  of  the  generic  relation- 
ships of  the  genera  of  Atherinidx. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   263 

ally  about  46;  dorsal  fins  2,  the  first  with  3  to  9  flexible  spines,  the 
second  with  one  weak  spine  and  soft  rays;  anal  with  one  weak  spine, 
usually  longer  than  second  dorsal;  ventrals  abdominal,  i  small  spine 
and  5  soft  rays;  pectorals  moderate,  inserted  high. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA. 

a.  The   premaxillaries    nearly    straight;    body    little   compressed; 
vomer  with  teeth.  Atherina,  p.  263. 

aa.  The  premaxillaries  strongly  curved;  the  body  compressed; 
vomer  without  teeth. 

b.  Abdomen  compressed,   forming  a  keel;  outer  teeth  in  upper 
jaw  curved,  forming  hooks.  Atherinella,  p.  265. 

bb.  Abdomen  not  compressed  into  a  keel,  more  or  less  rounded  in 
section;  outer  teeth  in  upper  jaw  never  distinctly  hooked. 

c.  Body  elongate;  sides  with  a  well  defined  band;  first  dorsal 
with  fewer  than  8  spines. 

d.  Scales  smooth.  Menidia,  p.  266. 
dd.     Scales  crenate.                                                  Kirtlandia,  p.  268. 
cc.     Body  deep;  the  lateral  band  absent;  first  dorsal  with  7  to  9 

spines.  Mugilops  gen.  nov.,  p.  271. 

77.  Genus  Atherina  Linnaeus. 

Atherina  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  315,  (type  Atherina  hepsetus 

Linnaeus). 

Body  oblong,  somewhat  compressed;  mouth  large,  oblique,  ter- 
minal; the  lower  jaws  included;  the  premaxillaries  narrow  posteriorly, 
nearly  straight,  strongly  protractile;  villiform  teeth  present  on  jaws, 
vomer,  and  palatines. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Body  short  and  thick,  depth  4.6  to  5.2  in  length;  head  low 
and  broad,  as  wide  as  deep;  snout  very  short  and  blunt;  eye 
large,  2.2  to  2.4  in  head ;  lateral  band  narrow,  about  the  width 
of  pupil ;  scales  36  to  38.  stipes,  p.  264. 

aa.  Body  elongate,  depth  5.5  to  6.6  in  length;  head  compressed, 
deeper  than  wide;  snout  longer  and  pointed;  eye  small,  2.4  to 
2.75  in  head;  lateral  band  more  than  half  the  width  of  eye; 
scales  42  to  45.  arcea,  p.  264. 


264   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

198.  Atherina  stipes  Miiller  &  Troschel. 

Atherina  stipes  Miiller  &  Troschel,  in  Schomburgk,  Hist.  Barbados, 

1848,  671  (Barbados)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  790,  PL  CXXII,  fig.  332. 

Atherina  laticeps  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1861,  265  (Havana). 
Atherina  velieana  Goode  &  Bean,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1879,  342 

(Clear  Water  Harbor,  Florida). 

Head  3.5  to  3.8;  depth  4.6  to  5.2;  D.  IV  or  V-I,  8  to  10;  A.  I,  n  or 
12;  scales  36  to  38. 

Body  short  and  thick,  not  much  compressed ;  head  depressed  above, 
as  wide  as  deep ;  interorbital  space  nearly  as  wide  as  eye,  2.35  to  2.75  in 
length  of  head;  snout  very  short  and  blunt,  4.15  to  4.7  in  head;  eye 
2.2  to  2.4;  lower  jaw  included;  mouth  oblique,  the  gape  reaching  past 
anterior  margin  of  eye;  gill-rakers  somewhat  less  than  half  as  long 
as  eye,  about  15  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  teeth  on  the  jaws  and 
vomer  in  villiform  bands,  none  of  them  especially  enlarged;  scales 
smooth  or  slightly  crenate;  dorsal  and  anal  more  or  less  scaly;  first 
dorsal  much  in  advance  of  origin  of  anal,  inserted  about  midway  be- 
tween middle  of  eye  and  base  of  caudal;  pectorals  shorter  than  head, 
4.4  to  5.15  in  length  of  body. 

Color  greenish  above,  pale  silvery  below;  sides  with  a  well  defined 
band  which  occupies  the  third  row  of  scales,  and  is  about  as  wide  as 
pupil;  each  scale  on  back  and  sides  with  a  dark  speck,  these  forming 
streaks  along  the  rows  of  scales,  most  prominent  on  median  row  on 
back. 

Numerous  specimens,  ranging  from  35  to  70  mm.  in  length,  were 
taken.  We  have  compared  them  with  numerous  specimens  from  Cozu- 
mel,  Cuba,  Porto  Rico,  the  Bahamas,  and  Florida,  with  which  they  are 
identical. 

Known  from  Florida  southward  to  Panama.  Our  specimens  are 
from  Toro  Point,  Colon,  and  Porto  Bello. 

199.  Atherina  araea  Jordan  &  Gilbert. 

Atherina  araa  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1884,  27  (Key 

West,   Florida) ;   Jordan   &   Evermann,   Bull.   U.    S.    Nat.    Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  790,  PL  CXXIII,  fig.  333. 

Head  4.25  to  4.6;  depth  5.5  to  6.6;  D.  V  or  VI-I,  9  or  10;  A.  I, 
10  to  13 ;  scales  42  to  45. 

Body  elongate,  moderately  compressed;  head  compressed,  not  as 
wide  as  deep;  interorbital  space  slightly  narrower  than  eye,  2.75  to 
3.2  in  length  of  head ;  snout  pointed,  its  length  3.55  to  4  in  head ;  eye 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   265 

2.4  to  2.75 ;  mouth  moderate,  oblique,  the  gape  reaching  about  anterior 
margin  of  eye;  gill-rakers  less  than  half  the  length  of  eye,  about  18 
on  lower  limb  of  first  arch ;  teeth  all  small,  present  on  jaws  and  vomer ; 
scales  all  entire;  dorsal  and  anal  without  scales;  first  dorsal  much  in 
advance  of  origin  of  anal,  inserted  slightly  nearer  base  of  caudal  than 
tip  of  snout;  pectorals  short,  notably  shorter  than  head,  5.5  to  6.6  in 
length  of  body. 

Color  greenish  above,  silvery  below;  sides  with  a  prominent  band 
which  occupies  the  third  row  of  scales,  and  is  more  than  half  the 
width  of  eye;  each  scale  on  back  with  a  dark  speck,  these  forming 
more  or  less  distinct  lines  along  the  rows  of  scales, 

Of  this  species  we  have  29  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  45 
to  65  mm.  We  have  for  comparison  specimens  from  Cozumel;  Wat- 
lings  Island;  and  the  type  from  Key  West,  Florida. 

Known  from  Florida  southward  to  Panama.  Our  specimens  are 
from  Porto  Bello. 

78.  Genus  Atherinella  Steindachner. 

Atherinella    Steindachner,     (Sitzb.    k.     Ak.     Wiss.     Wien,     LXXI) 
Ichth.   Beitr.,   II,    1875,   35    (type  Atherinella  panamensis   Stein- 
dachner) . 
Body    elongate;    abdomen    compressed,    forming    a    keel;    mouth 

oblique ;  teeth  in  the  jaws  pointed  and  hooked ;  scales  strongly  ctenoid ; 

the  first  dorsal  inserted  slightly  back  of  origin  of  anal;  the  second 

dorsal  inserted  over  the  last  anal  rays;  pectorals  very  long. 

200.  Atherinella  panamensis  Steindachner. 

Atherinella  panamensis  Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien,  LXXI) 

Ichth.  Beitr.,  II,  1875,  35  (Panama)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull. 

U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  805;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir. 

Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  59,  PI.  IX,  fig.  17  (Panama  Bay). 

Head  4.8 ;  depth  4.5 ;  D.  III-I,  7 ;  A.  I,  21 ;  scales  37  or  38. 

Upper  profile,  from  tip  of  snout  to  second  dorsal,  horizontal ;  ven- 
tral profile,  from  articulation  of  mandible  to  last  anal  rays,  convex; 
head  broad  and  flat  above;  the  interorbital  space  2.75  in  length  of 
head;  snout  3.33;  eye  3.66;  mouth  oblique;  lower  jaw  included;  teeth 
in  the  jaws  in  several  rows,  the  outer  row  enlarged,  those  of  upper 
jaw  strongly  hooked  and  occupying  the  outer  margin  of  the  jaw; 
first  dorsal  inserted  over  about  the  tenth  anal  ray;  pectorals  greatly 
developed,  falcate,  much  longer  than  the  head,  contained  2.75  times  in 
length  of  body. 


266    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Sides  with  a  grayish  silvery  band  which  has  a  dark  margin  above. 

This  rare  species  was  not  seen  by  us.  Known  from  only  two 
specimens  from  Panama  Bay,  the  type  described  by  Steindachner  in 
1875  and  one  specimen  secured  by  the  Hopkins  Expedition  from  the 
Leland  Stanford  Junior  University  in  1896. 

79.  G^nus  Menidia  Bonaparte. 

Menidia  Bonaparte,  Icon.  Fauna  Ital.,  Pesci,  III,  about  1836,  Fasc. 
91  (no  type  indicated,  Atherina  menidia  Linnaeus  doubtlessly  in- 
tended). 

Argyrca  De  Kay,  Fauna  N.  Y.,  Fishes,   1842,   141    (type  Atherina 
notata  Mitchill;  name  preoccupied). 
Body  elongate,  more  or  less  compressed;  belly  before  ventrals 

rounded,  not  compressed  into  an  edge  or  keel;  the  mouth  small,  very 

oblique;  the  premaxillaries  much  curved;  jaws  each  with  a  band  of 

simple  and  usually  villiform  teeth;  no  teeth  on  vomer  or  palatines; 

premaxillaries   protractile;   both   dorsals    short;   scales   rather   large, 

entire. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Body  very  elongate,  slender,  the  depth  6.1  to  6.9  in  length; 
anal  without  a  sheath  of  scales  at  base,  with  I,  20  to  23  rays; 
lateral  band  narrow,  scarcely  as  wide  as  pupil. 

chagresi,  p.  266. 

aa.  Body  rather  deep,  the  depth  4.3  to  4.8  in  length;  anal  with  a 
wide  sheath  of  scales  at  base,  with  I,  24  to  28  rays ;  lateral  band 
wide,  about  three-fourths  as  wide  as-  eye. 

starksi  sp.  nov.  p.  267. 

201.  Menidia  chagresi  Meek  &  Hildebrand.    (Plate  XX,  fig.  i.) 
Thyrina    pachylepis    Evermann    &    Goldsborough,    Proc.    Biol.    Soc. 

Wash.,  XXII,  1909,  102  (not  of  Giinther). 
Menidia  chagresi  Meek  &  Hildebrand,  in  Meek,  Field  Mus.  Nat.  Hist. 

Pub.,  Zool.  Ser.,  X,  1914,  119  (Gorgona,  Panama  Canal  Zone;  and 

Zent  and  Parismina,  Costa  Rica). 

Head  4.4  to  5.0;  depth  6.1  to  6.9;  D.  Ill  or  IV-I,  7  to  9;  A.  I,  20 
to  23;  scales  42  to  44. 

Body  very  elongate;  belly  moderately  compressed,  but  not  forming 
an  edge;  head  as  wide  as  deep;  interorbital  space  3.1  to  3.4  in  length 
of  head ;  snout  rather  pointed,  3.15  to  3.6  in  head ;  eye  2.65  to  2.95 ;  lower 
jaw  included ;  mouth  rather  small,  moderately  oblique ;  no  marked  angle 


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DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.  267 

of  articulation  of  mandible ;  gill-rakers  very  short,  less  than  a  fourth  the 
length  of  eye,  about  18  on  the  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  teeth  in  the  jaws 
in  villiform  bands,  the  outer  series  in  upper  jaw  enlarged,  situated  on 
outer  edge  of  jaw;  scales  mostly  smooth,  occasionally  a  few  in  front 
of  dorsal,  on  median  line  of  back,  slightly  crenate;  dorsals  and  anal 
without  scales;  first  dorsal  inserted  over  about  the  fifth  ray  of  anal, 
slightly  nearer  margin  of  opercle  than  base  of  caudal;  pectoral  fins 
longer  than  head,  reaching  almost  as  far  back  as  the  short  ventrals, 
4.1  to  4.55  in  length  of  body. 

Color  greenish  above,  paler  below ;  sides  with  a  conspicuous  bluish 
black  band  which  occupies  the  fourth  row  of  scales  and  is  scarcely 
as  wide  as  the  pupil ;  back  and  snout  with  dusky  punctulations ;  median 
line  of  back  with  a  dark  streak;  base  of  anal  with  dusky  points  which 
are  continued  to  base  of  caudal. 

This  species  is  represented  by  117  specimens  ranging  from  25  to 
115  mm.  in  length.  All  the  specimens  are  from  fresh  or  brackish 
water  of  the  Atlantic  slope  as  follows:  small  creek  at  Mindi;  Rio 
Trinidad,  Agua  Clara;  Rio  Gatun,  Monte  Liria;  Rio  Chagres,  Gor- 
gona ;  Rio  Gatunocello,  Alhajuela ;  Rio  Boqueron ;  Rio  Indio,  a  branch 
of  the  Upper  Chagres ;  Rio  Cascajal,  Porto  Bello.  Also  known  from 
Costa  Rico. 

202.  Menidia  starksi  sp.  nov.     (Plate  XX,  fig.  2.) 

Type  No.  79732,  U.  S.  N.  M.;  length  235  mm.;  Taboga  Island, 
Panama. 

Head  4.4  to  4.75 ;  depth  4.3  to  4.8;  D.  Ill  or  IV-I,  7  or  8;  A.  I,  24 
to  28 ;  scales  39  or  40. 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  the  belly  round  in  section,  not  com- 
pressed into  an  edge  or  keel;  head  notably  deeper  than  wide;  inter- 
orbital  space  2.7  to  2.9  in  length  of  head;  snout  pointed,  projecting 
beyond  lower  jaw,  about  equal  to  length  of  eye,  2.9  to  3.3  in  head; 
eye  3  to  3.3 ;  mouth  of  moderate  size,  the  gape  curved ;  no  marked 
angle  at  articulation  of  mandible;  gill-rakers  about  half  the  length  of 
eye,  13  to  15  on  the  lower  limb  of  first  arch ;  teeth  present  on  both  jaws, 
curved  slightly  backward ;  scales  smooth,  firm  and  adherent ;  first  dor- 
sal small,  inserted  over  about  the  fourth  ray  of  anal,  about  midway 
between  upper  anterior  angle  of  opercle  and  base  of  caudal ;  last  ray 
of  second  dorsal  in  advance  of  last  ray  of  anal;  anal  fin  long,  with  a 
wide  sheath  of  scales  at  base;  pectorals  slightly  longer  than  head,  not 
reaching  quite  as  far  back  as  the  short  ventrals,  4.15  to  4.5  in  body. 


268   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Color  greenish  above,  pale  below;  sides  with  a  well  defined  silvery 
band  which  has  a  bluish  margin  above,  and  which  occupies  the  lower 
half  of  the  third  and  the  fourth  row  of  scales,  and  is  about  three- 
fourths  as  wide  as  eye;  snout  and  back  everywhere  with  dusky  punc- 
tulations;  median  line  of  back  with  a  very  narrow  dark  streak. 

We  have  9  specimens  of  this  species,  ranging  in  length  from  95 
to  140  mm.  It  seems  to  fall  between  two  genera,  Menidia  and  Eury- 
stole,  filling  in  the  gap  between  them.  The  latter  genus  was  based  chiefly 
on  the  long  anal  fin  (Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
XLVII,  1896,  802). 

Our  specimens  are  from  Taboga  Island,  Panama. 

80.  Genus  Kirtlandia  Jordan  &  Evermann. 

Kirtlandia  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896, 

794  (type  Chirostoma  vagrans  Goode  &  Bean). 

This  genus  apparently  differs  from  Menidia  only  in  having  the 
scales  crenate.  This  may,  however,  yet  prove  to  be  of  no  generic 
value,  as  is  indicated  by  the  species  described  in  this  paper  under  the 
name  Menidia  chagresi,  which  occasionally  has  some  of  the  scales  on 
the  back  slightly  crenate. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  First  dorsal  wholly  in  front  of  origin  of  anal;  pectorals  short, 
scarcely  as  long  as  head,  5  to  5.6  in  body.          gilberti,  p.  268. 

aa.     First  dorsal  inserted  over  the  anterior  half  of  base  of  anal; 
pectorals  long,  notably  longer  than  head,  3.4  to  4.1  in  body. 

b.  Body  moderately  deep,  depth  4.7  to  5.4  in  length;  lateral  band 
wide,  about  half  the  width  of  eye;  scales  43  to  47. 

pachylepis,  p.  269. 

bb.     Body  very  elongate,  depth  5.7  to  6.2  in  length;  lateral  band 
narrow,  not  as  wide  as  pupil;  scales  39  to  40. 

beani  sp.  nov.,  p.  270. 

203.  Kirtlandia  gilberti  (Jordan  &  Bollman). 

Menidia  gilberti  Jordan  &  Bollman,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1889,  155 

(Panama) ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  798. 
Kirtlandia  gilberti  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904, 

58    (Panama  Bay)  ;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir.   Mus.   Comp. 

Zool.,  XXXV,  1912,  88  (Naos  Island,  Panama  Bay). 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.  269 

l 

Head  4.4  to  5.2;  depth  5.7  to  6.4;  D.  IV  or  V-I,  9  or  10;  A.  I,  18 
to  22 ;  scales  49  to  54. 

Body  elongate,  compressed ;  belly  not  forming  an  edge ;  head  rather 
low  and  wide,  its  width  slightly  greater  than  its  depth;  interorbital 
space  notably  wider  than  eye,  2.65  to  3.1  in  head;  snout  rather  long 
and  pointed,  about  as  long  as  eye,  3  to  3.6  in  head ;  eye  2.65  to  3.35 ; 
mouth  small,  the  gape  not  reaching  eye;  lower  jaw  included;  gill- 
rakers  scarcely  half  the  length  of  eye,  about  22  on  lower  limb  of  first 
arch;  teeth  in  jaws  very  small,  none  on  vomer  or  palatines;  scales 
mostly  crenate;  dorsal  and  anal  scaleless;  first  dorsal  wholly  in  front 
of  anal,  its  origin  somewhat  nearer  upper  anterior  angle  of  opercle 
than  base  of  caudal;  pectorals  slightly  shorter  than  head,  reaching 
about  to  base  of  ventrals,  5.0  to  5.6  in  length  of  body. 

Color  greenish  above,  pale  silvery  below ;  sides  with  a  well  defined 
silvery  band  which  occupies  the  fourth  row  of  scales,  and  is  bounded 
by  a  dark  blue  streak  above,  width  of  band  three-fourths  that  of  the  eye ; 
scales  on  back  everywhere  dusted  with  brown  dots;  snout  dusky;  a 
narrow  black  line  present  on  median  line  of  back. 

Over  300  specimens  of  this  species  were  preserved.  They  range  in 
length  from  40  to  140  mm.  This  species  was  found  on  only  two  occa- 
sions and  then  in  rather  large  numbers. 

Known  only  from  Panama  Bay.  Our  specimens  are  from  Chame 
Point  and  Taboga  Island. 

204.  Kirtlandia  pachylepis  (Giinther). 

Atherinichthys  pachylepis  Giinther,   Proc.   Zool.   Soc.   London,    1864, 

25  (Panama). 
Menidia   pachylepis  Jordan   &    Evermann,    Bull.    U.    S.    Nat.    Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  801. 
Thyrina   pachylepis   Jordan   &    Evermann,    Bull.    U.    S.    Nat.    Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  2840. 
Kirtlandia  pachylepis  Gilbert  &   Starks,   Memoir.   Cal.  Ac.   Sci.,  IV, 

I9°4J  57  (Panama  Bay). 

Head  4.5  to  5.3 ;  depth  4.7  to  5.4 ;  D.  Ill  to  V-I,  7  to  9 ;  A.  I,  20  to 
23 ;  scales  43  to  47. 

Body  elongate,  notably  compressed;  belly  round;  head  rather  flat 
above,  its  width  not  quite  equal  to  its  depth ;  interorbital  space  much 
wider  than  eye,  2.25  to  2.7  in  length  of  head;  snout  rather  blunt, 
shorter  than  eye,  3.3  to  3.65  in  head;  eye  2.5  to  3.1;  mouth  small 
and  oblique,  the  gape  not  nearly  reaching  eye;  lower  jaw  included; 
gill-rakers  scarcely  half  the  length  of  eye,  about  22  on  lower  limb  of 


270    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

« 

first  arch;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  bands,  the  outer  series  in  upper  jaw 
somewhat  enlarged ;  scales  crenate ;  base  of  anal  with  a  row  of  scales ; 
dorsal  scaleless;  first  dorsal  inserted  over  about  the  fourth  ray  of  anal, 
somewhat  nearer  base  of  caudal  than  base  of  pectorals;  pectorals 
notably  longer  than  head,  reaching  well  past  the  base  of  ventrals,  fre- 
quently almost  to  their  tips,  3.4  to  3.8  in  length  of  body. 

Back  greenish,  pale  silvery  below ;  sides  with  a  well  defined  sil- 
very band  which  is  bounded  above  by  a  dark  blue  streak,  and  which  occu- 
pies the  third  row  of  scales  and  is  about  half  as  wide  as  eye ;  scales  on 
back  sprinkled  with  brown  points ;  snout  dusky ;  a  dark  line  present  on 
median  line  of  back. 

About  130  specimens,  ranging  from  40  to  140  mm.  in  length,  were 
preserved.  This  species  was  taken  more  frequently,  but  not  in  as 
large  numbers,  as  K.  gilberti. 

Known  from  Panama  Bay  and  Guayaquil,  Ecuador.  Our  specimens 
are  from  Chame  Point,  Taboga  Island,  and  Balboa. 

205.  Kirtlandia  beani  sp.  nov.     (Plate  XXI.) 

Type  No.  79741,  U.  S.  N.  M. ;  length  85  mm.;  Fox  Bay,  Colon, 
Panama. 

Head  4.3  to  4.7;  depth  5.7  to  6.2;  D.  Ill  or  IV-I,  7  to  9;  A.  I,  19 
to  22 ;  scales  39  to  40. 

Body  elongate,  moderately  compressed;  belly  compressed,  but  not 
forming  an  edge;  head  quite  as  wide  as  deep;  interorbital  space  2.9 
to  3.2  in  length  of  head ;  snout  wide,  depressed,  its  length  2.8  to  3.25 
in  head ;  eye  2.8  to  3.25 ;  lower  jaw  included ;  mouth  small,  very 
oblique;  a  marked  angle  at  articulation  of  mandible;  gill-rakers  less 
than  one-fourth  the  length  of  eye,  about  19  on  the  lower  limb  of  first 
arch;  teeth  in  the  jaws  in  villiform  bands,  the  outer  series  in  the 
upper  jaw  enlarged,  situated  on  outer  margin  of  jaw;  scales  moder- 
ately laciniate  on  the  back,  crenate  on  sides;  dorsal  and  anal  without 
scales ;  first  dorsal  inserted  over  about  the  sixth  ray  of  anal,  midway 
between  upper  anterior  angle  of  opercle  and  base  of  caudal ;  pectorals 
longer  than  head,  reaching  nearly  as  far  back  as  the  short  ventrals, 
3.85  to  4.1  in  length  of  body. 

Color  greenish  above,  paler  below ;  sides  with  a  conspicuous-  black- 
ish band,  which  occupies  the  third  row  of  scales  and  is  only  about 
three-fourths  the  width  of  pupil;  back  and  sides  everywhere  with 
dusky  punctulations,  these  most  numerous  on  snout  and  back;  median 
line  of  back  with  a  dark  streak;  base  of  anal  with  dusky  points, 
which  are  continued  to  base  of  caudal. 


2  I 

Cn 


THE  mm 

OF  THE 
OF 


TUE 

or  m 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   271 

We  have  40  specimens  of  this  species,  ranging  in  length  from  55 
to  loo  mm.  It  resembles  Menidia  chagresi,  from  which  it  is  distin- 
guished by  the  more  pectinate  scales,  the  more  oblique  mouth,  the  po- 
sition of  the  lateral  band  and  several  other  minor  differences. 

Our  specimens  are  from  Fox  Bay,  Colon.  They  were  all  taken  on 
the  same  date  (Mar.  31,  1911),  after  which  this  species  did  not  again 
appear. 

81.  Genus  Mugilops  gen.  nov. 

Type  Mugilops  cyanellus  sp.  nov. 

Body  rather  deep,  compressed;  mouth  small,  terminal;  lower  jaw 
included;  premaxillaries  protractile,  strongly  curved;  the  first  dorsal 
long,  with  7  to  9  spines;  vertebrae  about  40;  lateral  band  wanting. 
This  genus  superficially  resembles  the  mullets,  but  the  spinous-  dorsal 
is  longer  and  the  spines  are  flexible;  the  intestinal  canal  is  short  and 
the  body  is  deeper  and  more  strongly  compressed  than  in  any  of  the 
species  of  mullets  known  to  the  writers. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  First  dorsal  with  8  or  9  spines,  inserted  an  eye's  diameter 
nearer  end  of  snout  than  base  of  caudal;  body  moderately 
elongate,  the  chest  rounded,  greatest  depth  3.75  to  4  in  length. 

cyanellus  sp.  nov.,  p.  271. 

aa.  First  dorsal  with  7  spines,  inserted  equidistant  from  end  of 
snout  and  base  of  caudal;  body  deep,  the  chest  compressed, 
greatest  depth  3.7  in  length.  marinas  sp.  nov.,  p.  272. 

206.  Mugilops  cyanellus  sp.  nov..    (Plate  XXII,  fig.  i.) 

Type  No.  81748,  U.  S.  N.  M. ;  length  95  mm. ;  Balboa,  Panama  Bay. 
Head  4.15  to  4.3;  depth  3.75  to  4;  D.  VIII  or  IX-I,  15  to  17;  A. 
I,  1 8  to  22 ;  scales  43  to  47. 

Body  deep,  compressed;  dorsal  and  ventral  outlines  about  evenly 
convex ;  chest  rounded ;  head  short  and  deep,  the  length  not  exceeding 
depth  by  more  than  half  the  diameter  of  eye;  int'erorbital  space  2.7  to 
3  in  length  of  head;  snout  short  and  rather  blunt,  its  length  3.45  to 
3.7 ;  eye  2.95  to  3.2 ;  mouth  very  small,  the  gape  not  reaching  half  the 
distance  to  eye;  a  marked  angle  at  articulation  of  mandible;  teeth 
small,  present  in  jaws  only,  arranged  in  villiform  bands,  none  of  them 
especially  enlarged;  scales  large,  crenate  on  back,  slightly  crenate  to 
smooth  on  sides  and  below;  alimentary  canal  short,  no  pyloric  caeca; 


272   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

ovaries  well  distended  with  eggs  (Two  females  examined,  one  of 
which  was  taken  in  March  and  the  other  in  May)  ;  dorsal  and  anal 
each  with  a  row  of  scales  at  base;  first  dorsal  much  in  advance  of 
anal,  inserted  about  an  eye's  diameter  nearer  tip  of  snout  than  base  of 
caudal ;  second  dorsal  inserted  over  about  the  sixth  ray  of  anal ;  caudal 
forked,  the  lower  lobe  slightly  the  longer;  pectorals  placed  high,  very 
short,  reaching  a  little  past  the  base  of  the  small  ventrals,  5.3  to  5.6 
in  body. 

Color  dark  blue  above ;  lower  half  of  sides  and  belly  bright  silvery ; 
no  trace  of  a  lateral  band;  snout  dusky;  base  of  caudal  with  a  rec- 
tangular blotch ;  peritoneum  black. 

Five  examples  of  this  species  were  taken,  ranging  in  length  from 
70  to  95  mm.  The  species  resembles  the  mullets  in  general  appearance. 

Our  specimens  are  from  Taboga  Island  and  Balboa. 

207.  Mugilops  marinus  sp.  nov.  (Plate  XXII,  fig.  2.) 

Type  No.  81742,  U.  S.  N.  M. ;  length  50  mm. ;  Porto  Bello,  Panama. 

Head  3.7;  depth  3.7;  D.  VII-I,  16;  A.  I,  20;  scales  42. 

Body  deep,  rather  strongly  compressed ;  the  ventral  outline  a  little 
more  strongly  curved  than  the  dorsal;  chest  compressed;  head  short 
and  deep,  the  length  exceeding  the  depth  by  a  little  less  than  the  dia- 
meter of  the  eye;  interorbital  space  3.1  in  head;  snout  short,  its  length  4 
in  head ;  eye  3.35 ;  mouth  very  small,  the  gape  reaching  less  than  half 
the  distance  to  the  eye;  no  marked  angle  at  articulation  of  mandible; 
teeth  very  small,  in  a  very  narrow  band  in  lower  jaw,  mostly  in  a 
single  irregular  series  in  upper  jaw;  scales  moderate,  cycloid,  partly 
lost  in  the  specimen  in  hand ;  lateral  line  represented  by  10  to  12  pores 
on  scales  above  pectoral;  second  dorsal  and  anal  each  with  a  row  of 
scales  at  base;  first  dorsal  wholly  ;n  advance  of  anal,  inserted  about 
equidistant  from  end  of  snout  and  base  of  caudal;  origin  of  second 
dorsal  over  anterior  third  of  anal;  caudal  fin  forked,  the  lower  lobe 
the  longer;  pectoral  fins  placed  high,  reaching  well  past  the  base  of 
the  small  ventrals,  5.3  in  body. 

Color  bluish  black  above,  silvery  on  sides  and  below ;  lateral  band 
wanting;  base  of  caudal  with  a  rectangular  dark  blotch. 

We  have  a  single  specimen,  50  mm.  in  length,  taken  at  Porto  Bello. 
It  appears  to  differ  from  the  Pacific  coast  form  in  having  the  body 
somewhat  deeper  and  more  strongly  compressed,  especially  the  chest 
and  abdomen.  The  first  dorsal  has  fewer  spines  by  one  and  it  appears 
to  be  slightly  more  anteriorly  inserted.  Our  material  is,  however, 
insufficient  to  establish  the  true  relationship. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   273 

Family  XXXVI.    Mugilida. 

THE  MULLETS. 

Body  oblong,  more  or  less  compressed ;  mouth  small,  the  jaws  with 
small  teeth  or  none;  the  teeth  various  in  form;  premaxillaries  pro- 
tractile; gill-openings  wide,  the  membranes  separate,  free  from  the 
isthmus ;  gills  4,  a  slit  behind  the  fourth ;  gill-rakers  long  and  slender ; 
pseudobranchiae  large;  branchiostegals  5  or  6;  scales  large;  no  lateral 
line,  but  the  scales  with  furrows  forming  lateral  streaks;  air  bladder 
large;  intestinal  canal  long;  peritoneum  usually  black;  two  short 
dorsal  fins,  well  separated,  the  anterior  with  4  stiff  spines,  the  last 
spine  much  shorter  than  the  others;  second  dorsal  longer  than  the 
first,  similar  to  the  anal;  anal  with  2  or  3  graduated  spines;  ventral 
fins  abdominal,  composed  of  one  spine  and  5  soft  rays;  caudal  fin 
forked.  Only  two  genera  are  represented  among  the  marine  species 
in  the  Panama  collection.  The  fresh  water  species  belonging  to  the 
genera,  Agonostomus  and  Joturus,  are  discussed  in  "The  Fishes  of  the 
Fresh  Waters  of  Panama"  by  Meek  &  Hildebrand  (Field  Museum  of 
Natural  History  Publication,  Zoological  Series,  Vol.  X,  1916,  pp.  332 
to  338). 

KEY   TO   THE   GENERA. 

a.  Cleft  of  mouth  chiefly  transverse;  the  lips  thin;  teeth  small, 
ciliiform,  in  one  or  a  few  series  in  each  jaw;  adipose  eyelid 
well  developed  in  adult.  Mugil,  p.  273. 

aa.  Cleft  of  mouth  lateral;  the  upper  lip  thick;  teeth  small,  cilii- 
form, in  many  series  in  each  jaw;  adipose  eyelid  wanting  at 
all  ages.  Chcenomugil,  p.  281. 

82.  Genus  Mugil  Linnaeus. 

Mugil  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  316  (type  Mugil  cephalus 

Linnaeus) . 
Querimana  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882,  588  (type 

Myxus  harengus  Giinther ;  young) . 

Body  elongate,  somewhat  compressed;  head  rather  large,  usually 
about  as  wide  as  deep,  scaled  above  and  on  sides;  eye,  in  adult,  with 
a  strongly  developed  adipose  membrane,  small  or  wanting  in  young; 
mouth  subinferior,  oblique,  the  gape  wide,  but  not  deep;  lower  jaw 
angulated;  jaws  with  one  or  a  few  series  of  small,  flexible,  ciliiform 
teeth;  no  teeth  on  vomer  or  palatines;  anal  fin  in  very  young  with  2 


274    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

spines,  adult  constantly  with  3  spines;  the  first  soft  ray  having  been 
transformed  into  a  spine;  stomach  with  heavy  muscular  walls.  Mud 
eating  fishes,  abundant  in  many  warm,  shallow  bays,  where  they  often 
give  great  leaps  above  the  surface  of  the  water. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Soft  dorsal  and  anal  naked  at  all  ages ;  anal  rays  III,  8 ;  rows 
of  scales  along  sides  with  dark  streaks. 

b.  Scales  large,  31  to  36  in  a  lateral  series;  head  low  and  wide, 
its  greatest  width  exceeding  the  depth ;  cleft  of  mouth  much 
wider  than  deep.  brasiliensis,  p.  274. 

bb.  Scales  smaller,  37  to  41  in  a  lateral  series;  head  higher,  its 
height  exceeding  its  width;  cleft  of  mouth  only  slightly  wider 
than  deep.  cephalus,  p.  275. 

aa.  Soft  dorsal  and  anal  densely  scaled  in  adult,  with  few  or  no 
scales  in  very  young;  anal  rays  III,  9,  except  in  M.  trichodan, 
which  has  III,  8. 

c.  Teeth  in  the  jaws  in  a  single  series ;  fins  not  deeply  falcate. 

d.  Scales  very  large,  29  to  31  in  a  lateral  series;  cleft  of  mouth 
nearly  twice  as  wide  as  deep;  anal  rays  III,  8. 

trichodon,  p.  276. 

dd.  Scales-  smaller,  33  or  more  in  a  lateral  series;  cleft  of  mouth 
narrower,  its  width  not  greatly  exceeding  its  depth;  anal  rays 
III,  9. 

e.  First  dorsal  inserted  notably  nearer  the  tip  of  snout  than  base 
of  caudal;  cleft  of  mouth  as  wide  as  deep;  scales  small,  42 
to  47.  incilis,  p.  277. 

ee.  First  dorsal  usually  inserted  midway  between  the  tip  of  snout 
and  base  of  caudal,  occasionally  slightly  behind  this  point; 
cleft  of  mouth  wider  than  deep. 

f.  Upper  lip  thick;  scales  43  to  45.  thoburni,  p.  278. 
ff.     Upper  lip  thin;  scales  33  to  41.  curema,  p.  279. 
cc.     Teeth  large,  those  in  the  upper  jaw  in  several  series ;   fins 

deeply  falcate.  setosus,  p.  280. 

208.  Mugil  brasiliensis  Agassiz. 

Mugil  brasiliensis  Agassiz,  in  Spix,  Pise.  Brasil.,  1831,  234,  PI.  LXXII 

(Atlantic  Ocean  off  Brazil)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  810. 
Mugil  lisa  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,   Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  XI,   1836,  83 

(Brazil,  Porto  Rico,  Maracaibo,  Surinam,  Martinique). 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   275 

Mugil  lebranchus  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1861,  260,  PL  XVIII,  fig.  3 

(Cuba). 

Head  3.7  to  4.0;  depth  4.0  to  4.8;  D.  IV-I,  8;  A.  Ill,  8;  scales 
31  to  36. 

Body  elongate,  slender,  compressed;  dorsal  profile  anteriorly 
straight;  ventral  outline  convex;  head  depressed,  wider  than  deep; 
interorbital  space  wide  and  flat,  2.15  to  2.65  in  head;  snout  short  and 
wide,  4.1  to  5.3  in  head;  eye  3.75  to  4.8;  mouth  oblique,  subinferior, 
the  gape  much  broader  than  long;  gill-rakers  of  moderate  length, 
slender,  about  45  on  first  arch,  including  rudiments;  pseudobranchiae 
well  developed;  teeth  in  the  jaws  minute;  scales  very  large,  with  finely 
serrated  edges,  except  those  on  head  which  are  smooth ;  fins  with  very 
few  scales ;  origin  of  spinous  dorsal  slightly  nearer  tip  of  snout  than 
base  of  caudal,  its  spines  strong;  second  dorsal  and  anal  inserted 
opposite  each  other;  pectorals  rather  short,  1.35  to  1.45  in  head. 

Color  bluish  black  above,  silvery  below;  rows  of  scales  on  sides 
with  distinct  dark  streaks;  ventrals  usually  pale,  other  fins  more  or 
less  dusky ;  peritoneum  black. 

This  species  is  represented  by  24  specimens  in  the  present  collec- 
tion, ranging  in  length  from  120  to  340  mm. 

Known  from  the  West  Indies,  southward  to  Brazil.  Our  speci- 
mens are  from  the  French  Diversion,  New  Gatun ;  Mindi  Cut ;  and  Fox 
Bay,  Colon. 

209.  Mugil  cephalus  Linnaeus. 

Mugil  cephalus  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  316  (Europe;  based 

on  Artedi)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  811,  PI.  CXXVI,  fig.  343. 

Mugil  albula  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  XII,  1766,  520  (Charleston). 
Mugil  tang  Bloch,  Ichthyol.,  VIII,  1794,  PI.  CCCXCV  (Africa). 
Mugil  plumieri  Bloch,  Ichthyol.,  VIII,  1794,  PI.  CCCXCVI  (St.  Vin- 
cent; on  a  drawing  by  Plumier). 
Mugil  lineatus  Mitchill,  MS.,  in  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat. 

Poiss.,  XI,  1836,  96  (New  York). 

Mugil  rammelsbergii  Tschudi,  Fauna  Peruana,  Ichth.,  1846,  20  (Peru). 
Mugil  berlandieri  Girard,  U.  S.  &  Mex.  Bound.  Surv.,  Fishes,  1859,  20, 

PI.  X,  figs.  I  to  4  (St.  Josephs  Id.,  Indianola;  Brazos  Santiago; 

Brazos;  and  Galveston). 
Mugil  gilntheri  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1863,  169  (western 

coast  of  Central  America;  not  of  Steindachner) . 
Mugil  mexicanus  Steindachner,   (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien,  LXXII) 


276   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Ichth.  Beitr.,  Ill,  1875,  58,  PI.  VIII  (Acapulco). 

Head  3.4  to  4.2;  depth  3.4  to  4.2;  D.  IV-I,  8;  A.  Ill,  8  (very 
young  II,  9)  ;  scales  37  to  41. 

Body  rather  robust,  compressed,  the  ventral  outline  slightly  more 
convex  than  the  dorsal;  head  low,  only  slightly  deeper  than  wide; 
interorbital  space  slightly  convex,  2.4  to  3.3  in  length  of  head;  snout 
short,  and  of  moderate  width,  its  length  4.35  to  5.3  in  head;  eye  3.2 
to  4.3 ;  mouth  oblique,  the  gape  only  slightly  wider  than  deep ;  adipose 
eyelid  strongly  developed  in  adult,  almost  wholly  wanting  in  young; 
gill-rakers  numerous,  slender  and  close  set;  pseudobranchise  large; 
teeth  in  the  jaws  minute,  but  visible  without  the  aid  of  lens;  scales  of 
moderate  size,  with  a  finely  serrate  membranous  border,  those  on  head 
striate;  soft  dorsal  and  anal  without  scales;  origin  of  spinous  dorsal 
about  midway  between  tip  of  snout  and  base  of  caudal;  soft  dorsal 
inserted  slightly  behind  origin  of  anal;  pectorals  not  reaching  origin 
of  first  dorsal,  1.25  to  1.45  in  head. 

Color  bluish  gray  above,  silvery  below,  with  dark  streaks  along 
the  rows  of  scales;  ventrals  and  anal  pale,  other  fins  with  more  or  less 
dusky ;  axil  bluish  black. 

No  specimens  of  this  widely  distributed  species  were  obtained 
on  either  coast  of  Panama.  The  above  description  is  based  on  speci- 
mens in  the  U.  S.  National  Museum  collection  from  Long  Island,  N.  Y. ; 
Beaufort,  N.  C. ;  Hawaii,  and  Japan. 

Known  from  nearly  all  the  warmer  shores  of  both  hemispheres 
On  the  Atlantic  coast  of  America  from  Cape  Cod  to  Brazil,  on  the 
Pacific  coast  from  Monterey  to  Chile.  Recorded  from  Panama  Bay 
by  Jordan  (Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1885,  371)  ;  not  seen  by  other 
investigators. 

210.  Mugil  trichodon  Poey. 

Mugil  trichodon  Poey,  Ann.  Lye.  Nat.  Hist.  N.  Y.,  XI,  1875,  66,  PI 

VIII,  figs.  4  to  8  (Cuba) ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  816. 
Querimana  gyrans  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1884,  26 

(Key  West). 
Mugil  brasiliensis  Jordan  &  Swain,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1884,  270 

(not  of  Agassiz). 

Head  3.3  to  4.0;  depth  3.2  to  3.6;  D.  IV-I,  7;  A.  Ill,  8;  scales 
29  to  31. 

Body  robust,  the  dorsal  profile  anteriorly  straight ;  ventral  outline 
gently  curved;  head  not  quite  as  wide  as  deep,  the  interorbital  space 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   277 

slightly  convex,  2.1  to  2.8  in  head;  snout  short  and  blunt,  its  length 
4.2  to  5  in  head;  eye  3.1  to  3.95;  the  mouth  oblique,  subinferior,  the 
gape  short  and  wide,  about  twice  as  wide  as  deep;  adipose  eyelid  in 
large  examples  very  strongly  developed,  making  it  difficult  to  measure 
eye;  gill-rakers  scarcely  half  length  of  eye,  about  70  in  number; 
pseudobranchiae  rather  small ;  teeth  in  the  jaws  movable,  notably  larger 
than  in  related  species ;  each  scale  very  large,  with  very  finely  serrate 
membranous  edges,  those  on  head  striate,  without  membranous  edges ; 
soft  dorsal  and  anal  thickened  by  scales ;  origin  of  spinous  dorsal 
midway  between  tip  of  snout  and  base  of  caudal,  the  spines  strong; 
second  dorsal  inserted  slightly  behind  origin  of  anal,  in  our  specimens 
with  only  7  soft  rays  (not  8,  as  given  in  current  descriptions)  ;  pec- 
torals rather  short,  1.3  to  1.4  in  head. 

Color  bluish  above,  silvery  below ;  no  dark  streaks  along  the  rows 
of  scales ;  ventrals  and  anal  pale,  other  fins  usually  with  more  or  less 
dusky;  base  of  pectorals  bluish;  peritoneum  jet  black. 

Present  collection  contains  9  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from 
95  to  250  mm. 

Known  from  the  south  Atlantic  States,  southward  to  Brazil.  Our 
specimens  are  from  Fox  Bay,  Colon ;  and  Colon  market. 

211.  Mugil  incilis  Hancock. 

Mugil  incilis  Hancock,  Quart.  Journ.  Sci.,  1830,  127  (Guiana)  ;  Gunther, 

Trans.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  VI,  1868,  443;  Jordan  &  Evermann, 

Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  812;  Boulenger,  Boll.  Mus. 

Zool.  Anat.  Torino,  XIV,  No.  346,  1899^  2  (Colon,  Panama). 
Mugil  guntheri  Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien,  XLIX)  Ichth. 

Notizen,  I,  1864,  12  (British  Guiana). 

Head  3.3  to  4.4;  depth  3.6  to  4.55;  D.  IV-I,  8;  A.  Ill,  9  (very 
young  II,  10)  ;  scales  42  to  47. 

Body  slender,  average  depth,  of  22  specimens  measured,  4.24  in 
length;  dorsal  profile  anteriorly  only  very  slightly  convex;  ventral 
profile  more  strongly  curved  than  the  dorsal;  head  rather  low,  its 
greatest  width  equal  to  its  greatest  depth,  interorbital  space  convex, 
2.35  to  3.2  in  length  of  head ;  snout  short  and  rather  narrow,  its  length 
4.25  to  5.5  in  head ;  eye  3.2  to  4.15 ;  the  mouth  oblique,  nearly  terminal, 
the  gape  as  wide  as  deep;  adipose  eyelid  strongly  developed  in  adult, 
almost  wholly  wanting  in  young;  gill-rakers  close  set,  numerous,  70 
in  number  in  a  specimen  215  mm.  long,  apparently  increasing  in  num- 
ber with  age;  pseudobranchise  large;  teeth  in  the  jaw  minute,  visible 
only  with  the  aid  of  the  lens ;  scales  small,  with  finely  serrated  edges, 


278    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

except  those  on  head  which  are  smooth ;  soft  dorsal  and  anal  covered 
with  scales,  but  not  especially  thickened  by  them;  origin  of  spinous 
dorsal  notably  nearer  tip  of  snout  than  base  of  caudal,  the  spines 
strong;  origin  of  second  dorsal  behind  that  of  anal;  pectorals  of 
moderate  length,  not  quite  reaching  origin  of  first  dorsal,  1.2  to  1.5 
in  head. 

Color  bluish  black  above,  silvery  below;  rows  of  scales  without 
dark  streaks ;  ventrals  and  anal  pale ;  other  fins  more  or  less  dusky ; 
axil  black;  peritoneum  dusky. 

Of  this  species  120  specimens  are  contained  in  the  present  collec- 
tion, ranging  in  length  from  45  to  380  mm.  The  very  young,  of 
55  mm.  and  less  in  length,  have  only  2  anal  spines,  but  10  soft  rays. 
From  specimens  at  hand  it  is  evident  that  the  first  soft  ray  which  is 
never  divided,  develops  into  a  spine  when  the  fish  reaches  a  length  of 
about  60  mm. 

Known  from  the  Atlantic  coast  of  Panama  southward  to  Brazil. 
Our  specimens  are  from  Toro  Point;  Fox  Bay,  Colon;  Mindi  Cut; 
and  French  Diversion,  New  Gatun. 

212.  Mugil  thoburni  Jordan  &  Starks. 

Mugil  incilis  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882,  624  (not 

of  Hancock;  Panama  City). 
Mugil  thoburni  Jordan  &  Starks,  in  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S. 

Nat.  Mus.,   XLVII,    1896,  812    (Galapagos);   Gilbert   &    Starks, 

Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  59  (Panama  Bay). 

Head  3.5  to  3.8;  depth  3.7  to  3.8;  D.  IV-I,  8;  A.  Ill,  9;  scales  43 
to  45. 

Body  moderately  elongate,  compressed,  the  ventral  outline  more 
convex  than  the  dorsal ;  head  slightly  deeper  than  wide,  the  interorbital 
space  convex,  2.5  to  2.7  in  length  of  head;  snout  rather  long  and 
narrow,  3.9  to  4.2  in  head ;  eye  3.5  to  4.7 ;  mouth  oblique,  the  gape 
wider  than  deep;  upper  lip  thicker  than  in  closely  related  species; 
adipose  eyelid  greatly  developed  in  adult ;  gill-rakers  numerous,  slender, 
close  set;  pseudobranchiae  large;  teeth  in  the  jaws  minute,  but  visible 
without  the  aid  of  a  lens;  scales  small,  with  a  finely  serrate  mem- 
branous border,  those  on  head  striate;  soft  dorsal  and  anal  scaly; 
first  dorsal  inserted  slightly  behind  a  point  midway  between  the  tip 
of  snout  and  base  of  caudal;  origin  of  second  dorsal  slightly  behind 
that  of  anal;  pectorals  reaching  nearly  to  origin  of  first  dorsal,  1.3 
to  1.4  in  head. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    279 

Color  bluish  gray  above,  silvery  below;  no  dark  streaks  along  the 
rows  of  scales ;  ventrals  pale ;  other  fins  with  more  or  less  dusky. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us.  The  above  description  is-  based 
on  the  two  type  specimens,  140  and  150  mm.  long,  and  a  larger  speci- 
men, 295  mm.  long,  collected  at  the  Galapagos  Islands.  It  differs 
from  the  closely  related  species,  M.  curema,  in  having  more  scales  in 
a  lateral  series,  and  in  the  much  thicker  upper  lip. 

Known  from  Guatemala  to  the  Galapagos  Islands.  Recorded  from 
Panama  by  Jordan  &  Gilbert  (as  M.  incilis),  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
1882,  624. 

213.  Mugil  curema  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes. 

Mugil  curema  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  XI,  1836,  87 

(Brazil;  Martinique;   Cuba);  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.   S. 

Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  813,  PI.  CXXVI,  fig.  344;  Gilbert  & 

Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904.  60  (Panama  Bay). 
Mugil  petrosus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  XI,  1836,  89 

(Brazil;  Surinam;  Gulf  of  Mexico;  Cuba). 
Mugil  brasiliensis  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  Ill,  1861,  431  (not 

of  Agassiz)  ;  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI,  1883, 

403  (not  of  Agassiz). 
Myxus  harengus  Gunther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  Ill,  1861,  467  (Pacific 

Coast  of  Central  America). 
Mugil  gaitnardianus  Desmarest,  Diet.  Class.,  1831,  PI.  CIX  (Cuba;  no 

description)  ;  Poey,  Ann.   Lye.  Nat.  Hist.  N.  Y.,  XI,   1875,  64, 

PI.  VII,  figs.  1-3  (Cuba;  first  description). 
Querimana  harengus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1882, 

588  (Part) ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  62 

(Panama  Bay). 
Mugil  hospes  Jordan  &  Culver,  Proc.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  1895,  422,  PI. 

XXXI  (Mazatlan)  ;  Boulenger,  Boll.  Mus.  Zool.  Anat.  Torino,  XIV, 

No.  346,  1899,  2  5  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904, 

60   (Panama  Bay)  ;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir.     Mus.   Comp. 

Zool.,   XXXV,  1912,  88  (Lat.  16°  4/  N.;  Long.  100°  27'  W.). 

Head  3.1  to  4.2;  depth  3.2  to  4.45;  D.  IV-I,  8;  A.  Ill,  9  (very 
young  II,  10)  ;  scales  33  to  41. 

Body  rather  slender,  somewhat  compressed,  ventral  outline  usually 
more  strongly  curved  than  the  dorsal ;  head  rather  low,  only  slightly 
compressed,  its  greatest  depth  exceeding  the  width ;  interorbital  space 
convex,  2.2  to  3.4  in  length  of  head;  snout  short  and  rather  wide,  its 
length  4  to  5.4  in  head;  eye  2.9  to  4.5;  mouth  subinferior,  oblique, 


280    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

the  gape  notably  wider  than  deep;  adipose  eyelid  well  developed  in 
adult,  almost  wholly  wanting  in  young ;  gill-rakers  close  set,  numerous, 
about  65  in  number  in  adult;  pseudobranchise  large;  teeth  in  the  jaws 
minute,  but  usually  visible  without  the  aid  of  a  lens,  proportionately 
larger  in  young;  scales  rather  large,  with  finely  serrate  membranous 
edges,  those  on  head  striate,  without  serrate  membranous  edges;  soft 
dorsal  and  anal  scaly  in  adult,  the  young,  of  less  than  80  mm.  in 
length,  with  few  or  no  scales;  origin  of  first  dorsal  midway  between 
tip  of  snout  and  base  of  caudal,  slightly  back  of  this  point  in  young; 
origin  of  soft  dorsal  slightly  behind  that  of  anal ;  pectorals  of  moderate 
length,  usually  not  quite  reaching  origin  of  first  dorsal,  occasionally 
reaching  to  or  slightly  past  it,  1.2  to  1.7  in  head. 

Color  bluish  above,  silvery  below ;  no  evident  dark  streaks  along  the 
rows  of  scales;  ventrals  and  anal  usually  pale,  other  fins  with  more 
or  less  dusky ;  axil  bluish  black ;  peritoneum  jet  black. 

Of  this  species  we  have  54  specimens  from  the  Atlantic  coast, 
ranging  from  40  to  360  mm.  in  length,  and  314  from  the  Pacific  coast, 
which  range  from  20  to  385  mm.  in  length.  We  have  carefully  com- 
pared our  large  series  from  the  two  coasts,  and  are  unable  to  detect 
any  constant  differences.  We  have  examined  the  cotype  of  M.  hospes, 
and  several  specimens  of  M.  gaimardianus  from  Cuba  supposed  to 
be  of  Poey's  own  identification.  Our  large  series  indicate  that  these 
nominal  species  are  not  distinct,  but  are  merely  a  variety  with  the 
pectoral  fins  somewhat  longer  than  is  usual  in  M.  curema.  In  the 
young  the  pectoral  fins  nearly  always  reach  the  origin  of  first  dorsal,  and 
occasionally  this  is  true  of  an  adult  specimen. 

Known  from  both  coasts  of  America,  from  Cape  Cod  to  Brazil 
and  the  Gulf  of  California  to  Chile.  Also  recorded  from  West  Africa. 
Our  Atlantic  specimens  are  from  Toro  Point ;  Fox  Bay,  Colon ;  Colon 
Reef;  Colon  market;  Mindi  Cut;  French  Diversion,  New  Gatun; 
and  Porto  Bello.  Pacific  specimens  are  from  Chame  Point;  Taboga 
Island;  Naos  Island;  Panama  Bay;  tide  streams,  and  tide  pools, 
Balboa;  tide  streams,  Corozal;  Panama  market,  and  tide  pools, 
Panama. 

214.  Mugil  setosus  Gilbert. 

Mugil  setosus  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.   Mus.,   1891,   549   (Clarion 

Island)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.   Nat.   Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  815  (Mazatlan  and  Clarion  Island). 

Head  3.3  to  3.75;  depth  3.6  to  4.25;  D.  IV-I,  8;  A.  Ill,  9;  scales 
35  to  38. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.  281 

Body  compressed,  the  ventral  outline  more  convex  than  the  dorsal ; 
head  rather  large,  notably  deeper  than  wide;  interorbital  space  convex, 
2.6  to  3.0  in  length  of  head;  snout  rather  narrow,  4.1  to  5.1  in  head; 
eye  3.55  to  3.9;  mouth  oblique,  the  gape  about  as  deep  as  wide;  the 
upper  lip  thick;  adipose  eyelid  well  developed  in  adult;  gill-rakers 
numerous,  and  close  set;  pseudobranchiae  well  developed;  teeth  in  the 
jaws  larger  than  in  related  species,  those  in  the  upper  jaw  in  more 
than  one  series ;  scales  rather  large,  more  or  less  striate,  with  an  almost 
smooth  membranous  border,  those  on  head  without  membranous 
border;  soft  dorsal  and  anal  scaly;  the  spinous  dorsal  inserted  slightly 
nearer  base  of  caudal  than  tip  of  snout;  insertion  of  soft  dorsal 
slightly  behind  that  of  anal,  both  fins  higher  than  in  other  species  of 
the  genus ;  caudal  fin  deeply  forked,  the  lobes  much  longer  than  head ; 
pectorals  not  quite  reaching  origin  of  first  dorsal,  1.3  to  1.4  in  length 
of  head. 

Color  plain  grayish  above,  silvery  below;  no  dark  streaks  along 
the  row  of  scales ;  ventrals  pale,  other  fins  more  or  less  dusky ;  caudal 
fin  with  a  black  margin;  peritoneum  black. 

Here  redescribed  from  the  4  type  specimens  from  Clarion  Island, 
ranging  in  length  from  150  to  265  mm. 

Known  from  the  Revillagigedo  Islands  and  Mazatlan,  not  recorded 
from  Panama. 

83.  Genus  Chaenomugil  Gill. 

Chanomugil  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1863,  169,  (type  Mugil 

prob oscideus  Giinther ) . 

Cleft  of  mouth  lateral;  the  upper  lip  very  thick;  small  ciliiform 
teeth  in  many  series  in  each  jaw;  adipose  eyelid  wanting  at  all  ages. 

215.  Chaenomugil  proboscideus  (Giinther). 

Mugil  proboscideus  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.   Mus.,   Ill,   1861,  459 
(Island  of  Cordova,  west  coast  of  Central  America). 

Chanomugil  probosddeiis  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1863,  169; 
Jordan  &  Swain,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1884,  272;  Gilbert  & 
Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  61  (Panama  Bay)  ;  Ken- 
dall &  Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  Zool.,  XXXV,  1912,  88 
(Acapulco,  Culebra  Island  and  Chatham  Island). 
Head  3.4  to  4.0;  depth  3.1  to  3.4;  D.  IV-I,  8;  A.  Ill,  10;  scales 

37  to  42. 


282    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Body  compressed;  the  dorsal  profile  little  convex;  ventral  outline 
strongly  curved;  head  compressed,  interorbital  space  convex,  2.1  to 
2.4  in  head;  snout  rather  pointed,  usually  slightly  longer  than  eye, 
2-9  to  3.5  in  head ;  eye  3.3  to  3.8 ;  mouth  oblique,  rather  narrow,  the 
cleft  notably  longer  than  broad;  upper  jaw  projecting,  premaxillaries 
very  protractile ;  maxillary  reaching  anterior  margin  of  eye,  the  upper 
lip  thick;  gill-rakers  of  moderate  length,  slender,  about  23  on  the 
lower  limb  of  the  first  arch ;  pseudobranchise  well  developed ;  external 
edges  of  both  jaws  with  a  band  of  very  weak,  movable  teeth;  scales 
large,  their  edges  finely  serrate;  dorsal  fins,  caudal  and  anal  with 
scales  between  the  rays ;  first  dorsal  small,  with  strong  spines,  inserted 
about  midway  between  anterior  margin  of  eye  and  base  of  caudal; 
second  dorsal  over  the  posterior  two-thirds  of  anal  base,  its  outer 
margin  concave;  anal  fin  shaped  like  the  second  dorsal,  but  longer; 
pectorals  rather  long,  1.05  to  1.2  in  head. 

Color  bluish  black  above,  silvery  below;  rows  of  scales  on  sides 
with  more  or  less  distinct  dark  lines ;  ventrals  pale ;  other  fins  all  more 
or  less  dusky ;  peritoneum  black. 

This  species  is  represented  by  79  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from 
45  to  220  mm. 

Known  from  Mazatlan  southward  to  Panama  Bay.  Our  material 
is  from  Taboga  Island,  Balboa,  and  Panama  market.  The  species  is 
common  in  tide  pools. 

Family  XXXVII.    Sphyramidse. 

THE  BARRACUDAS. 

Body  very  elongate,  little  compressed;  head  very  long,  pointed, 
pike-like;  mouth  nearly  horizontal,  large;  jaws  elongate,  the  lower 
strongly  projecting,  the  upper  not  protractile,  its  border  formed  by  the 
premaxillaries,  behind  which  are  the  broad  maxillaries;  jaws  and 
palatines  with  large,  sharp  teeth  of  unequal  size;  no  teeth  on  vomer; 
usually  a  very  strong,  sharp  canine  near  the  tip  of  the  lower  jaw; 
opercular  bones  without  spines  or  serrations;  gill-membranes  separate, 
free  from  the  isthmus;  gill-rakers  very  short  or  obsolete;  branchi- 
ostegals  7;  gills  4,  a  slit  behind  the  fourth;  pseudobranchiae  well 
developed ;  air  bladder  large,  bifurcate  anteriorly ;  pyloric  caeca  numer- 
ous; scales  small,  cycloid,  present  on  cheeks  and  opercles,  usually  few 
on  upper  surface  of  head;  lateral  line  well  developed,  straight,  first 
dorsal  with  5  spines,  second  dorsal  remote  from  the  first,  similar  to  and 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   283 

opposite  the  anal;  caudal  fin  forked;  ventral  fins  i,  5,  abdominal,  in 
advance  of  middle  of  body;  pectoral  fins  short,  placed  in  or  below  the 
axis  of  the  body;  vertebrae  24.  This  family  k  composed  of  a  single 
genus. 

84.  Genus  Sphyraena  Klein. 

Sphyrcena  Klein,  Neuer  Schauplatz,  etc.,  VI,  1778,  464   (type  Esox 
sphyrana  Linnaeus)  ;  Rose,  Artedi  Syn.  Nom.  Pise.,  Ed.  II,  1793, 
112    (type=Esox  sphyr&na  Linnaeus)  ;  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst. 
Ichth.,  1801,  109  (type  Esox  sphyrcena  Linnaeus). 
The  characters  of  the  genus  are  included  in  the  family  description. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Ventral  fins  inserted  in  advance  of  the  spinous  dorsal,  about 
midway  between  tip  of  lower  jaw  and  base  of  last  anal  ray; 
pectoral   fins   reaching  beyond   base   of   ventrals,  and   beyond 
origin  of  spinous  dorsal;  maxillary  reaching  to  or  slightly  past 
anterior  margin  of  orbit  in  adult. 

b.  Scales  large,  79  to  85  in  a  lateral  series.  barracuda,  p.  283. 
bb.     Scales  smaller,  108  to  130  in  a  lateral  series. 

c.  Scales  108  to  116;  sides  with  about  20  dark  bars,  extending 
from  back  to  slightly  below  lateral  line.  ensis,  p.  285. 

cc.  Scales  smaller,  118  to  130;  no  dark  bars;  very  young  (75  mm.) 
with  broad  jet  black  rings  encircling  the  body. 

guachancho,  p.  285. 

aa.  Ventral  fins  inserted  directly  under  the  origin  of  spinous  dorsal, 
much  nearer  base  of  last  anal  ray  than  tip  of  lower  jaw; 
pectorals  failing  to  reach  base  of  ventrals  or  origin  of  spinous 
dorsal;  maxillary  never  reaching  anterior  margin  of  orbit. 

d.  Eye  small,  5.3  to  5.7  in  head;  interorbital  area  rather  strongly 
convex.  borealis,  p.  286. 

dd.     Eye  large,  4.85  to  5.0  in  head ;  interorbital  area  flattish. 

picudilla,  p.  287. 

216.  Sphyraena  barracuda  (Walbaum). 

Esox    barracuda    Walbaum,    Artedi    Piscium,    III,    1792,    94    (after 

Catesby) . 
Sphyrana  sphyrcsna  var.  picuda  Bloch  &  Schneider,  Syst.  Ichth.,  1801, 

no  (after  Parra). 


284    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Sphyrana  becuna  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1803,  321,  PI.  IX, 

fig.  3  (from  a  drawing  by  Plumier  made  at  Martinique). 
Sphyrana  picuda  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  II,  1860,  336;  Jordan 

&   Gilbert,   Bull.   U.    S.   Nat.    Mus.,   XVI,    1883,   412;    Meek   & 

Newland,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1884,  68;  Jordan  &  Evermann, 

Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  823. 
Sphyrcena   barracuda  Jordan  &   Evermann,   Bull.   U.   S.    Nat.    Mus., 

XLVII,  1898,  2841,  PI.  CXXVIII,  fig.  349. 

Head  2.95  to  3.35;  depth  6.15  to  7.2;  D.  V-I,  8  or  9;  A.  II,  8  or  9; 
scales  79  to  85. 

Body  very  elongate,  moderately  compressed ;  head  long  and  low, 
a  little  deeper  than  wide,  flat  above;  interorbital  area  transversely 
slightly  concave,  with  low  ridges;  snout  long  and  pointed,  2.1  to  2.3  in 
head ;  eye  4.9  to  7.2 ;  mouth  large,  slightly  oblique ;  lower  jaw  strongly 
projecting,  ending  in  a  conical  point ;  maxillary  large,  reaching  well  past 
anterior  margin  of  eye,  longer  than  snout  in  adult,  proportionately 
shorter  in  young,  failing  to  reach  anterior  margin  of  eye  and  shorter 
than  snout  in  very  young,  1.9  to  2.3  in  head;  teeth  rather  large,  moder- 
ately compressed ;  gill-rakers  obsolete ;  scales  moderate ;  cheeks  and 
opercles  scaly;  scales  on  cheeks  notably  reduced  in  size;  upper  surface 
of  head  mostly  naked;  dorsal  fins  far  apart,  the  first  with  5  slender 
spines,  the  second  spine  the  longest,  2.6  to  3.7  in  head;  second  dorsal 
and  anal  similar,  placed  opposite  each  other,  both  moderately  elevated 
anteriorly;  caudal  fin  forked,  the  lower  lobe  the  longer;  ventral  fins  as 
long  as  the  pectorals,  inserted  in  advance  of  spinous  dorsal  about  mid- 
way between  tip  of  lower  jaw  and  base  of  last  anal  ray;  pectoral  fins 
reaching  well  past  base  of  ventrals,  also  slightly  past  origin  of  first 
dorsal,  2.5  to  3.2  in  head. 

Color  grayish  brown  above,  silvery  below;  young  with  dark  cross- 
bars on  back  and  quadrate  blotches  on  sides,  all  of  which  disappear 
with  age;  sides  with  conspicuous  inky  spots,  irregularly  placed;  soft 
dorsal,  anal,  caudal  and  ventrals  black,  with  white  margin  and  tips; 
pectorals  nearly  plain  translucent;  fins  with  less  black  in  young,  mostly 
pale  in  very  young. 

This  species  is  represented  by  54  specimens,  ranging  from  55  to 
820  mm.  in  length. 

Known  from  South  Carolina  southward  to  Brazil,  occasionally 
straying  northward  to  Woods  Hole,  Massachusetts.  Our  specimens 
are  from  Toro  Point ;  Mindi  Cut ;  Colon  Reef ;  Fox  Bay,  Colon ;  Colon 
market  and  Porto  Bello. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.  285 

217.  Sphyraena  ensis  Jordan  &  Gilbert. 

Sphyrcsna  fosteri  Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien,  LXXVIII) 

Ichth.  Beitr.,  VII,  1878,  4  (not  of  Cuvier  and  Valenciennes). 
Sphyrana  ensis  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish.  Comm.,  II,  1882 

(1883),  106  (Mazatlan),  and  109  (Panama),  and  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  1882,  624;  Meek  &  Newland,  Proc.  Ac.   Nat.   Sci.  Phila., 

1884,  70;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896, 

824;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  62. 

Head  3.27  to  3.8;  depth  6.8  to  9.25 ;  D.  V.  I,  9  or  10;  A.  II,  7  or  8; 
scales  1 08  to  116. 

Body  very  elongate,  little  compressed ;  head  long  and  low,  its  depth 
only  slightly  greater  than  its  width,  its  upper  surface  flat ;  interorbital 
area  slightly  convex,  with  rather  prominent  ridges;  snout  long  and 
pointed,  1.9  to  2.2  in  head ;  eye  4.34  to  5.7 ;  mouth  large,  slightly  oblique ; 
lower  jaw  strongly  projecting,  ending  in  a  conical  point;  maxillary 
large,  reaching  anterior  margin  of  eye  in  adult,  not  reaching  eye  in 
young,  1.8  to  2.2  in  head;  teeth  very  large,  strongly  compressed;  gill- 
rakers  very  small  and  short;  scales  rather  small;  cheeks  and  opercles 
scaly;  scales  on  cheeks  reduced  in  size;  upper  surface  of  head  mostly 
naked ;  dorsal  fins  far  apart,  the  first  one  with  5  slender  spines,  the  second 
spine  the  longest,  2.6  to  3.2  in  head;  second  dorsal  and  anal  similar, 
both  moderately  elevated  anteriorly,  placed  opposite  each  other;  caudal 
fin  forked,  the  lower  lobe  slightly  the  longer;  ventral  fins  a  little 
shorter  than  pectorals,  inserted  in  advance  of  origin  of  spinous  dorsal, 
about  midway  between  tip  of  lower  jaw  and  base  of  last  anal  ray; 
pectoral  fins  reaching  well  past  base  of  ventrals  and  to  or  slightly 
past  the  vertical  from  origin  of  spinous  dorsal,  2.26  to  2.7  in  head. 

Color  brownish  above,  silvery  below ;  sides  with  about  20  indistinct 
dark  bars  from  back  downward  to  slightly  below  lateral  line,  running 
downward  and  slightly  f orward ;  ventral  fins  usually  pale ;  all  the  other 
fins  with  more  or  less  dusky. 

We  have  only  6  specimens  of  this  species,  ranging  from  105  to  470 
mm.  in  length. 

Known  from  the  Gulf  of  California  to  Panama  Bay.  Our 
specimens  are  from  Chame  Point,  Balboa  and  the  Panama  market. 

218.  Sphyraena  guachancho  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes. 

Sphyrana  guachancho  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  Ill, 
1829,  342  (Havana)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 
XLVII,  1896,  824. 


286    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Sphyrcena  Guaguanche  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  166. 

Sphyrcena  giintheri  Haly,  Ann.  &  Mag.  Nat.  Hist.,  Ser.  4,  XV,  1875, 

270  (Colon). 
Sphyrcena  guaguancho  Goode  &  Bean,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1879, 

146;  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI,  1883,  411. 
Sphyrcena  guaguanche  Meek  &  Newland,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila., 

1884,  70. 

Head  3.0  to  3.2;  depth  6.1  to  7.65;  D.  V-I,  9;  A.  II,  7  or  8; 
scales  118  to  130. 

Body  very  elongate,  little  compressed;  head  long  and  low,  flat 
above;  interorbital  area  slightly  convex,  with  prominent  ridges;  snout 
long  and  pointed,  2.2  to  2.4  in  head;  eye  4.8  to  5.7;  mouth  large, 
little  oblique;  lower  jaw  strongly  projecting,  ending  in  a  sharp  conical 
point;  maxillary  large,  reaching  anterior  margin  of  eye  in  adult, 
proportionately  shorter  in  young,  in  which  it  fails  to  reach  anterior  mar- 
gin of  eye,  2.16  to  2.4  in  head;  teeth  large,  strongly  compressed;  gill- 
rakers  obsolete ;  scales  small ;  cheeks  and  most  of  opercles  scaly ;  scales 
on  cheeks  not  notably  reduced  in  size;  upper  surface  of  head  mostly 
naked ;  dorsal  fins  far  apart,  the  first  with  5  slender  spines,  the  second 
spine  the  longest,  2.7  to  3.4  in  head;  second  dorsal  and  anal  similar, 
both  anteriorly  moderately  elevated;  origin  of  the  dorsal  slightly  in 
advance  of  that  of  anal;  caudal  fin  forked,  the  lower  lobe  the  longer; 
ventral  fins  slightly  shorter  than  the  pectorals,  inserted  in  advance  of 
origin  of  spinous  dorsal  about  midway  between  tip  of  lower  jaw  and 
base  of  last  anal  ray;  pectoral  fins  reaching  well  past  the  base  of  the 
ventrals,  also  to  or  slightly  past  the  vertical  from  origin  of  spinous 
dorsal,  2.5  to  2.9  in  head. 

Color  grayish  above,  silvery  below;  upper  surface  of  head  dark; 
inky  spots  present;  very  young  with  black  bands;  dorsal  fins  and 
caudal  dusky;  other  fins  mostly  pale. 

This  species  is  represented  by  8  specimens,  ranging  from  50  to  260 
mm.  in  length. 

Known  from  Florida  southward  to  Panama,  occasionally  straying 
northward  in  the  Gulf  Stream,  as  far  as  Woods  Hole,  Massachusetts. 
Our  specimens  are  from  Mindi  Cut,  Colon  market  and  Porto  Bello. 

219.  Sphyraena  borealis  De  Kay. 

Sphyrcena  borealis  De  Kay,  Fauna  N.  Y.,  Fishes,  1842,  39,  PI.  LX, 
fig.  196  (New  York)  ;  Meek  &  Newland.  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila., 
1884,  73;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 
1896,  825. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   287 

Sphyrana  spet  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI,  1883, 

411  (not  of  Haiiy). 

Head  3.1  to  3.3;  depth  7.8  to  10.0;  D.  V-I,  8  or  9;  A.  II,  8  or  9; 
scales  132  to  135. 

Body  very  elongate,  slender,  little  compressed;  head  long  and  low, 
considerably  deeper  than  broad,  its  upper  surface  little  convex;  inter- 
orbital  area  convex,  with  rather  prominent  ridges;  snout  long  and 
pointed,  2.2  to  2.4  in  head;  eye  5.3  to  5.7;  mouth  moderate,  slightly 
oblique;  lower  jaw  strongly  projecting,  ending  in  a  conical  point; 
maxillary  moderate,  failing  notably  to  reach  anterior  margin  of  eye, 

2.5  to  2.66    in  head;  teeth  moderate,  compressed;  gill-rakers  obsolete; 
scales  very  small;  scales  on  cheeks  not  notably  reduced  in  size;  upper 
surface  of  head  mostly  naked ;  dorsal  fins  well  separated,  the  first  with 
5  slender  spines,  the  second  spine  the  longest,  3.0  to  3.35  in  head ;  second 
dorsal  and  anal  similar  and  placed  opposite  each  other,  both  anteriorly 
moderately  elevated ;  caudal  fin  deeply  forked,  the  lobes  of  about  equal 
length;  ventral  fins  a  little  shorter  than  the  pectorals,  inserted  directly 
under  the  origin  of  the  dorsal,  much  nearer  the  base  of  last  anal  ray 
than  tip  of  lower  jaw ;  pectoral  fins  failing  notably  to  reach  the  base  of 
ventrals,  also  failing  to  reach  vertical  from  origin  of  spinous  dorsal, 

2.6  to  3.1  in  head. 

Color  grayish  brown  above,  silvery  below;  a  dark  longitudinal 
stripe  from  snout  through  eye,  along  lateral  line  to  base  of  caudal; 
this  stripe  more  or  less  broken  up  into  blotches  in  some  of  our  specimens ; 
upper  surface  of  head  and  snout  black;  dorsal  fins  and  caudal  dusky; 
other  fins  mostly  pale. 

Of  this  species  we  have  12  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  165 
to  175  mm.  We  have  compared  them  with  numerous  specimens  of 
this  species  from  Woods  Hole,  Massachusetts,  with  which  they  seem 
to  agree  perfectly. 

Known  from  Cape  Cod  southward  to  Panama.  Our  specimens 
are  from  Porto  Bello.  It  previously  was  not  recorded  from  south  of 
Cape  Fear,  North  Carolina. 

220.  Sphyraena  picudilla  Poey. 

Sphyrana  picudilla  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  162   (Havana)  ;  Meek 
&    Newland,    Proc.    Ac.    Nat    Sci.    Phila.,    1884,    72;    Jordan   & 
Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  824;  Evermann  & 
Marsh,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  XX,  Pt.  I,  1900  (1902),  116. 
Head  3.15  to  3.26;  depth  7.05  to  7.9;  D.  V-I,  8  or  9;  A.  II,  8  or  9; 

scales  123  to  130. 


288    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Body  very  elongate,  slender,  little  compressed;  head  long  and  low, 
considerably  deeper  than  broad,  its  upper  surface  flattish;  interorbital 
area  nearly  flat,  with  rather  prominent  ridges;  snout  long  and  pointed, 
2.2  to  2.4  in  head ;  eye  4.8  to  5.0;  snout  moderate,  slightly  oblique,  lower 
jaw  strongly  projecting,  ending  in  a  conical  point;  maxillary  moderate, 
failing  notably  to  reach  anterior  margin  of  eye,  2.6  to  2.64  in  head; 
teeth  moderate,  compressed;  gill-rakers  obsolete;  scales  small;  cheeks 
and  opercles  scaly;  the  scales  on  cheeks  not  much  reduced  in  size; 
upper  surface  of  head  mostly  naked;  dorsal  fins  well  separated,  the 
first  with  5  slender  spines,  the  second  spine  the  longest,  3.2  to  3.4  in 
head ;  soft  dorsal  and  anal  similar,  both  anteriorly  moderately  elevated, 
placed  opposite  each  other ;  caudal  deeply  forked,  the  lower  lobe  slightly 
the  longer ;  ventral  fins  about  as  long  as  the  pectorals,  inserted  directly 
under  the  origin  of  the  spinous  dorsal,  much  nearer  base  of  last  anal 
ray  than  tip  of  lower  jaw;  pectoral  fins  failing  notably  to  reach  base 
of  ventrals,  also  failing  to  reach  origin  of  spinous  dorsal,  3.4  to  3.6 
in  head. 

Color  uniform  grayish  brown  above,  silvery  below;  upper  surface 
of  head  and  snout  black;  dorsal  and  caudal  fins  dusky;  other  fins 
mostly  pale. 

No  specimens  were  obtained.  The  above  description  is  based  on 
3  specimens,  respectively  290,  300  and  315  mm.  in  length.  Two  of 
these  are  from  Cuba,  and  one  from  Bahia,  Brazil.  One  of  the  Cuban 
specimens  was  identified  by  Poey,  the  describer  of  the  species.  The 
species  is  very  closely  related  to  S.  borealis  from  which  it  is  probably 
not  distinct.  The  eye,  however,  seems  to  be  a  little  larger  in  the  present 
species;  the  interorbital  area  a  little  flatter;  and  the  scales  a  little 
larger.  Owing  to  the  fact  that  the  scales  have  largely  been  lost  from 
specimens  at  hand,  we  cannot  be  sure  of  the  last  point.  We 
unfortunately  have  no  specimens  of  like  size  for  comparison.  A  larger 
series  must  be  secured  before  their  true  relationship  can  be  established. 

Known  from  the  West  Indies  south  to  Bahia,  Brazil;  not  recorded 
from  Panama. 

Family  XXXVIII.    Polynemida. 

THE  THREADFINS. 

Body  oblong,  compressed ;  snout  conical,  projecting  beyond  mouth ; 
eye  anteriorly  placed,  lateral,  with  a  well  developed  adipose  eyelid ; 
mouth  large,  nearly  or  quite  horizontal;  teeth  in  villiform  bands  on 
jaws,  palatines  and  sometimes  on  vomer;  gill-membranes  separate  and 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   289 

free  from  the  isthmus ;  gills  4,  a  slit  behind  the  fourth ;  branchiostegals 
7 ;  scales  present  on  body  and  on  head,  and  usually  on  the  vertical  fins ; 
lateral  line  complete,  continued  on  caudal  fin;  dorsal  fins  2,  rather 
remote  from  each  other,  the  first  with  7  or  8  rather  high,  feeble  spines ; 
caudal  fin  deeply  forked ;  anal  fin  either  similar  to  second  dorsal  or  much 
longer;  ventrals  abdominal,  with  I,  5  rays;  pectoral  fins  placed  low,  in 
two  parts,  the  lower  part  consisting  of  free  articulated  filaments. 

Only  2  genera  are  known  from  American  waters  and  only  one 
genus  is  represented  in  the  Panama  collection. 

85.  Genus  Polynemus  Linnaeus. 

Polynemus  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  317  (type  Polynemus 

paradiseus  Linnaeus). 

Trichidion  Klein,  Neuer  Schauplatz,  etc.,  Ill,  1776,  592   (type  Poly- 
nemus virginicus  Linnaeus). 

Polydactylus    Lacepede,    Hist.    Nat.    Poiss.,    V,    1803,    419     (type 

Polydactylus  plumierii  Lacepede=Polynemus  virginicus  Linnaeus). 

Teeth  in  villiform  bands  on  jaws,  vomer,  palatines  and  pterygoids; 

posterior  margin  of  preopercle  sharply  serrate,  its  angle  with  a  scaly 

flap;  scales  rather  small  and  thin,  finely  ctenoid;  first  dorsal  with  7  or 

8  weak  spines,  the  first  and  last  short;  second  dorsal  and  anal  about 

equal  in  size,  each  with  from  about  u  to  14  rays;  pectoral  with  3  to  9 

free  filaments,  shorter  than  body. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Pectoral  filaments  7;  origin  of  anal  slightly  behind  origin  of 
second  dorsal;  scales  53  to  61.  virginicus,  p.  289. 

aa.  Pectoral  filaments  6;  origin  of  anal  under  origin  of  second 
dorsal ;  scales  55  to  60.  approximans,  p.  290. 

aaa.  Pectoral  filaments  9;  origin  of  anal  under  middle  of  base  of 
second  dorsal ;  scales  68  to  75.  opercularisf  p.  292. 

221.  Polynemus  virginicus  Linnaeus. 

Polynemus  virginicus  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  317  (America), 

Polydactylus   plumierii    Lacepede,    Hist.    Nat.    Poiss.,   V,    1803,   419 

(Martinique). 
Polynemus  mango  Lacepede.  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  V,  1803,  413,  41?  & 

418  (America). 
Polynemus  americanus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  Ill, 

1829,  393  (San  Domingo). 


290    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL,  XV. 

f  Polynemus  oligodon  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  II,  1860,  322 

(Rio  Janeiro;  Jamaica). 

Trichidion  plumieri  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1861,  279. 
Polydactylus  virginicus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  829. 

Head  3.3  to  3.5;  depth  3.1  to  4;  D.  VIII-I,  n  to  13;  A.  12  to  14; 
scales  53  to  61. 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  head  moderate;  snout  conical,  pro- 
jecting prominently  beyond  the  mouth,  4.5  to  5.3  in  head;  eye  3.1  to  4; 
mouth  horizontal;  maxillary  reaching  far  beyond  eye,  2  to  2.15  in  head; 
teeth  in  villif orm  bands  on  jaws,  vomer  and  palatines ;  posterior  margin 
of  preopercle  serrate;  gill-rakers  long,  16  or  17  on  the  lower  limb  of 
the  first  arch;  scales  moderate,  rather  thin,  usually  lost  in  young, 
densely  covering  all  the  vertical  fins;  dorsal  fins  2,  the  origin  of  the 
first  slightly  behind  vertical  from  base  of  pectorals,  first  spine  very 
short,  the  third  the  longest,  exceeding  in  length  the  postorbital  part 
of  head;  origin  of  second  dorsal  slightly  in  advance  of  origin  of  anal, 
highest  anteriorly,  its  posterior  margin  concave;  caudal  fin  deeply 
forked,  the  lobes  produced,  a  little  longer  than  head;  anal  fin  similar 
to  second  dorsal  and  of  equal  length ;  ventral  fins  rather  short,  inserted 
about  an  eye's  diameter  nearer  origin  of  anal  than  base  of  pectoral 
filaments;  pectoral  fins  rather  long,  1.05  to  1.2  in  head;  the  filaments 
7  in  number,  the  upper  ones  longest,  sometimes  reaching  to  or  beyond 
origin  of  anal,  about  1.5  the  length  of  head. 

Color  bluish  gray  above ;  sides  yellowish  silvery ;  below  pale  silvery ; 
a  dark  opercular  blotch  present.  The  fins  are  all  more  or  less  punctulate, 
the  pectorals,  ventrals  and  anal  sometimes  mostly  black;  the  dorsals 
and  caudal  more  or  less  yellowish  in  life. 

More  than  100  specimens  were  preserved,  ranging  from  25  to  255 
mm.  in  length.  This  species  is  of  considerable  commercial  importance 
on  the  coast  of  Panama.  The  young  are  often  very  abundant  along 
the  shores  in  shallow  water. 

Known  from  Florida,  the  West  Indies  and  somewhat  doubtfully 
from  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are  from  Toro  Point,  Colon  and  Porto 
Bello. 

222.  Polynemus  approximans    Lay  &  Bennett. 

Polynemus   approximans   Lay   &    Bennett,    Zool.    Beechey's   Voyage, 

Fishes,  1849,  57   (Mazatlan)  ;  Boulenger,  Bull.  Mus.  Zool.  Anat. 

Torino,  XIV,  No.  346,  1899,  3  (Panama  Bay;  Rio  Sabana,  Darien). 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.  291 

Trichidion  approximans  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  258. 
Polynemus  calif  or  niensis  Thominot,  Bull.  Soc.  Philom.  Paris,  Seance  du 

27  Juin,  1886  (California). 
Polydactylus  approximans  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  829;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  63   (Panama)  ;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp. 

ZooL,  XXXV,  1912,  89  (Panama). 

Head  3.2  to  3.5;  depth  3  to  3.5;  D.  VIII-I,  13  or  14;  A.  Ill, 
13  or  14;  scales  55  to  60. 

Body  moderately  elongate,  compressed;  head  moderate;  snout 
conical,  much  in  advance  of  the  mouth,  4.3  to  5.1  in  head;  eye  3.5  to 
4.2;  interorbital  broad,  convex;  mouth  nearly  horizontal,  large;  max- 
illary reaching  well  beyond  eye,  2  to  2.3  in  head;  preopercular  margin 
serrate,  more  strongly  so  in  young  than  in  adult;  gill-rakers  long,  16 
or  17  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  moderate,  rather  thin,  ctenoid, 
present  on  entire  upper  surface  of  head,  and  on  opercle  and  preopercle ; 
the  vertical  fins  densely  scaled;  dorsal  fins  2,  the  origin  of  the  first 
dorsal  a  little  behind  vertical  from  base  of  pectorals,  the  first  spine  very 
short,  the  third  the  longest,  exceeding  the  length  of  post-orbital  part 
of  head ;  origin  of  second  dorsal  over  origin  of  anal,  the  anterior  rays 
longest,  posterior  margin  of  fin  deeply  concave;  caudal  fin  deeply 
forked,  the  lobes  produced,  pointed,  the  upper  lobe  the  longer,  notably 
longer  than  head;  anal  fin  similar  to  second  dorsal  and  opposite  it; 
ventral  fins  moderate,  inserted  considerably  nearer  base  of  pectoral 
filaments  than  origin  of  anal;  pectoral  fins  large,  1.05  to  1.3  in  head, 
the  pectoral  filaments  6  in  number,  only  the  upper  one  notably  produced 
and  longer  than  the  pectoral. 

Color  bluish  above;  sides  yellowish;  the  lower  parts  pale;  a  dark 
metallic  opercular  spot  present;  pectorals  and  ventrals  mostly  dusky, 
the  pectorals  sometimes  nearly  black  in  adult;  the  other  fins  mostly 
pale  but  usually  with  dusky  punctulations  in  adult;  all  the  fins  usually 
paler  in  young  than  in  adult. 

There  are  over  100  specimens,  mostly  young,  at  hand,  ranging  in 
length  from  23  to  273  mm.  in  length.  This  species  is  an  important  food 
fish,  but  it  appears  to  reach  a  smaller  size  than  P.  opercularis.  The 
young  are  very  abundant  at  Taboga  Island  and  Chame  Point. 

Known  from  Guaymas  to  Peru.  Our  specimens  are  from  Taboga 
Island,  Chame  Point,  Balboa,  Corozal  and  the  Panama  City  market. 


292    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

223.  Polynemus  opercularis  (Gill). 

Trichidion  opercularis  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1863,  168  (Cape 

San  Lucas). 
Polynemus  melanopoma  Giinther,  Trans.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  VI,  1868, 

421  (San  Jose,  Guatemala). 
Polynemus    opercularis    Steindachner,    (Sitzb.    k.    Ak.    Wiss.    Wien, 

LXXII)  Ichth.  Beitr.,  IV,  1875,  9  (Panama;  Acapulco;  Mazatlan). 
Polydactylus  opercularis  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  830;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  64  (Panama)  ;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp. 

Zool.,  XXXV,  1912,  89  (Panama). 

Head  3.5  to  3.6;  depth  3.4  to  3.95;  D.  VIII-I,  12  or  13;;  A.  Ill, 
13,  or  14;  scales  68  to  75. 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  head  moderate;  snout  conical,  project- 
ing notably  beyond  the  mouth,  6.2  to  7.5  in  head ;  eye  3.7  to  5 ;  inter- 
orbital  broad,  convex;  mouth  large,  slightly  horizontal;  maxillary 
reaching  far  beyond  eye,  1.65  in  head;  teeth  in  broad  villiform  bands 
on  jaws,  vomer  and  palatines;  posterior  margin  of  preopercle  serrate; 
gill-rakers  rather  long,  18  to  20  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales 
rather  small,  thin,  ctenoid,  present  on  upper  surface  of  head  to  tip 
of  snout  and  on  opercle  and  preopercle,  all  the  fins  except  pectorals 
densely  scaled ;  dorsal  fins  2,  the  origin  of  the  first  a  little  behind"  ver- 
tical from  base  of  pectorals,  the  first  spine  extremely  short,  the  fourth 
the  longest,  about  equal  to  length  of  postorbital  part  of  head ;  origin  of 
second  dorsal  slightly  behind  vertical  from  vent,  highest  anteriorly, 
its  outer  margin  deeply  concave;  caudal  fin  deeply  forked,  the  lobes 
pointed,  at  least  as  long  as  head ;  anal  fin  inserted  under  middle  of  base 
of  second  dorsal,  similar  to  second  dorsal  and  of  about  equal  length; 
ventral  fins  rather  small,  inserted  a  little  nearer  base  of  lowest  pec- 
toral filament  than  to  vent;  pectoral  fins  rather  long,  1.25  to  1.45  in 
head,  the  filaments  9  in  number,  very  long,  exceeding  length  of  head. 

Color  bluish  black  above;  sides  yellowish;  under  parts  pale;  a 
black  opercular  blotch  present;  dorsals  and  caudal  mostly  dusky,  the 
median  rays  of  caudal  yellow;  other  fins  orange. 

This  is  an  important  food  fish  and  is  much  sought  by  the  natives. 
We  preserved  five  specimens,  ranging  from  180  to  350  mm.  in  length. 

Known  from  Mazatlan  to  Panama.  Our  specimens  were  purchased 
in  the  Panama  Citv  market. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   293 

Family  XXXIX.    Holocentrida;. 

THE  SQUIRREL-FISHES. 

Body  oblong  or  ovate,  moderately  compressed;  head  with  large 
muciferous  cavities;  eye  lateral,  usually  very  large;  mouth  moderate, 
oblique ;  teeth  in  villif orm  bands  on  jaws,  vomer  and  palatines ;  maxil- 
lary broad,  with  a  supplemental  bone;  premaxillaries  protractile; 
opercle,  preopercle  and  suborbital  generally  serrate;  gill-membranes 
separate ;  gills  4,  a  slit  behind  the  fourth ;  branchiostegals  8 ;  lateral 
line  present ;  scales  hard,  strongly  ctenoid  or  spinous,  present  on  sides 
of  head;  dorsal  fin  long,  deeply  notched  or  separate,  usually  with  n 
strong  spines,  depressible  in  a  groove;  caudal  forked,  with  rudimentary 
rays  at  base;  anal  with  four  spines,  the  third  spine  largest;  ventrals 
thoracic;  general  color  red. 

KEY    TO   THE    GENERA. 

a.  Suborbital   finely   serrate,   without   enlarged   recurved  spines; 
head  not  wholly  covered  with  spinules ;  the  serrations  on  scales 
moderate,  not  produced  into  distinct  spines. 

b.  Angle  of  preopercle  without  a  conspicuously  enlarged  spine; 
scales  35  to  38.  Myripristis,  p.  293. 

bb.  Angle  of  preopercle  with  a  conspicuously  enlarged  spine; 
scales  37  to  51.  Holocentrus,  p.  296. 

aa.  Suborbital  with  large,  recurved  spines;  the  head  entirely 
covered  with  spinules;  the  serrations-  on  the  scales  strong,  the 
median  one  or  two  enlarged,  forming  spines ;  no  prominently 
enlarged  preopercular  spine;  scales  35  or  36. 

Plectrypops,  p.  301. 

86.  Genus  Myripristis  Cuvier. 

Myripristis    Cuvier,    Regne    Animal,    Ed.    II,    II,    1829,    150    (type 

Myripristis  jacobus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 
Rhamphoberyx    Gill,    Proc.    Ac.    Nat.    Sci.    Phila.,    1863,   87    (type 

Rhamphoberyx  paecilopus  Gill). 

This  genus  may  be  distinguished  from  Holocentrus  by  the  absence 
of  a  large  spine  at  angle  of  preopercle. 

KEY    TO   THE   SPECIES. 

a.  Eye  very  large,  its  diameter  much  greater  than  length  of  post- 
orbital  part  of  head,  2.2  to  2.3  in  head;  soft  dorsal  and  anal 


294   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

covered  with  small  scales;  color  bright  red  in  life,  pale  in 
spirits ;  a  dark  bar  from  upper  angle  of  gill-opening  to  base  of 
pectoral.  jacobus,  p.  294. 

aa.  Eye  smaller,  its  diameter  about  equal  to  length  of  postorbital 
part  of  head,  2.4  to  2.5  in  head;  soft  dorsal  and  anal  not  scaly; 
color  much  darker,  black  bluish;  no  black  bar  at  shoulder. 

b.  Teeth  moderate,  the  vomerine  patch  lance- shaped ;  second  dor- 
sal and  anal  anteriorly  somewhat  elevated,  their  posterior  mar- 
gins more  or  less  convex;  the  dusky  band  at  base  of  caudal 
and  below  lateral  line  wanting;  ventrals  pale,  or  with  a  few 
dusky  punctulations.  occid entails,  p.  295. 

bb.  Teeth  very  small,  the  vomerine  patch  anchor-shaped;  second 
dorsal  and  anal  anteriorly  lower;  a  dusky  band  at  base  of 
caudal  and  another  beginning  3  or  4  scales  behind  gill-opening 
and  extending  a  little  behind  tip  of  pectoral. 

pcecilopus,  p.  296. 

224.  Myripristis  jacobus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes. 

Myripristis  jacobus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  Ill,  1829, 

162  (Martinique)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  846. 

Myriopristis  lychnus  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  159  (Havana). 
Rhinoberyx  chryseus  Cope,  Trans.  Amer.  Philo.  Soc.  Phila.,  XIV,  1871, 

464  (St.  Croix  Islands). 

Head  2.9  to  3;  depth  2.3  to  2.4;  D.  X-I,  13  or  14;  A.  Ill,  II  or 
12;  scales  35  or  36. 

Body  elongate,  compressed,  rather  robust;  head  short  and  deep; 
snout  blunt,  5.2  to  5.9  in  head;  eye  very  large,  its  diameter  much 
greater  than  length  of  postorbital  part  of  head,  2.2  to  2.3  in  head; 
mouth  large,  oblique,  the  lower  jaw  slightly  projecting;  maxillary  not 
quite  reaching  posterior  margin  of  eye,  with  evident  serrse  on  its  lower 
posterior  angle,  1 .65  to  1 .8  in  head ;  teeth  all  small ;  preop.ercular  mar- 
gin strongly  serrate,  none  of  the  serrse  enlarged ;  bony  margin  of  opercle 
serrate,  with  an  enlarged  spine  at  upper  posterior  angle;  gill-rakers 
long,  slender,  21  to  23  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  large,  firm, 
very  strongly  ctenoid,  wanting  on  upper  surface  of  head,  but  present 
on  cheeks  and  opercle;  small  scales  also  present  on  soft  dorsal  and 
anal;  dorsal  fins  separate,  the  spines  rather  strong,  the  soft  dorsal 
anteriorly  somewhat  elevated,  the  posterior  margin  concave;  caudal 
fin  deeply  forked,  the  lobes  somewhat  produced,  nearly  as  long  as 
head;  anal  fin  with  4  strong  spines,  the  third  one  the  strongest,  but 


DEC.  20,  1923.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   295 

not  longer  than  the  fourth,  the  soft  part  of  fin  similar  to  soft  dorsal ; 
ventral  fins  moderate,  scarcely  as  long  as  snout  and  eye;  pectoral  fins 
moderate,  1.5  to  1.6  in  head. 

Color  in  alcohol  pale,  straw-color,  lower  parts  with  a  metallic  luster ; 
a  dark  bar  from  upper  angle  of  gill-opening  to  behind  base  of  pectoral ; 
fins  all  pale.  Body  and  fins  all  bright  red  in  life;  shoulder  with  dark 
red  bar,  turning  dusky  in  spirits. 

This  fish  is  represented  by  7  specimens,  ranging  from  160  to  190 
mm.  in  length.  These  were  taken  on  rocky  bottom  by  the  use  of 
dynamite. 

Known  from  the  West  Indies  to  Brazil.  Our  specimens  are  from 
Porto  Bello. 

225.  Myripristis  occidentalis  Gill. 

Myriopristis  occidentalis  Gill,   Proc.  Ac.   Nat.   Sci.   Phila.,   1863,  87 

(Cape  San  Lucas). 
Rhamphoberyx  leucopus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.   Sci.   Phila.,   1863,  88 

(Cape  San  Lucas). 
Myripristis  occidentalis  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  847;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  64  (Panama  Bay). 

Head  2.95  to  3.1;  depth  2.4  to  2.6;  D.  X-I,  13;  A.  IV,  u  or  12; 
scales  36  to  38. 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  head  rather  short  and  broad;  snout 
short,  5.3  to  5.7  in  head ;  eye  large,  its  diameter  equal  to  postorbital  part 
of  head,  2.4  to  2.5  in  head ;  mouth  rather  large,  terminal  or  the  lower 
jaw  slightly  projecting;  maxillary  broad,  not  serrate  on  its  posterior 
and  lower  posterior  border,  reaching  well  beyond  pupil,  but  not  quite 
to  posterior  margin  of  eye,  1.7  to  1.8  in  head;  teeth  small,  in  villiform 
bands  on  jaws,  vomer  and  palatines;  preopercular  margin  finely  ser- 
rate, none  of  the  serrae  enlarged;  bony  margin  of  opercle  strongly 
serrate,  one  of  the  spines  at  upper  posterior  angle  enlarged ;  gill-rakers 
slender,  19  to  22 ;  scales  large,  firm,  strongly  ctenoid,  wanting  on  upper 
surface  of  head,  but  present  on  cheeks  and  opercle,  not  extending  on 
soft  dorsal  and  anal ;  dorsal  fins  well  separated,  the  spines  slender,  but 
very  pungent;  soft  dorsal  low,  its  posterior  margin  slightly  concave; 
caudal  fin  moderately  forked,  the  lobes  not  especially  produced,  about 
equal  to  distance  from  tip  of  snout  to  preopercular  margin;  anal  fin 
with  4  spines,  the  third  one  strongest,  but  usually  not  reaching  the  tip 


296    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

of  the  third,  the  soft  part  of  the  fin  similar  to  the  soft  dorsal ;  ventral 
fins  rather  long,  usually  exceeding  the  length  of  snout  and  eye;  pec- 
toral fins  moderate,  1.45  to  1.6  in  head. 

Color  in  alcohol  brownish,  somewhat  paler  below  than  above ;  lower 
parts  more  or  less  silvery;  a  dark  area  on  upper  posterior  part  of 
opercle;  the  fins  all  pale.  Color  in  life  largely  reddish. 

This  species  appears  to  be  rather  rare,  as  only  3  specimens,  respec- 
tively 135,  155  and  182  mm.  in  length,  were  collected.  These  were 
taken  with  dynamite  along  the  rocky  shores  of  some  islands. 

Known  from  Cape  San  Lucas  to  the  Galapagos  Islands.  Our  speci- 
mens are  from  Taboga  Island  and  Balboa. 

226.  Myripristis  poecilopus  (Gill). 

Rhamphoberyx  pcecilopus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,   1863,  87 

(Cape  San  Lucas). 
Myripristis  poecilopus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.   S.   Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  847;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  65  (Panama  Bay). 

This  fish  was  not  taken  by  us,  but  Gilbert  &  Starks,  who  had  3  speci- 
mens from  Panama  Bay,  point  out  the  following  differences  between 
this  species  and  M.  occidentalis:  (a)  The  teeth  are  much  smaller,  the 
vomerine  patch  of  teeth  being  anchor-shaped  rather  than  lance-shaped, 
(b)  The  anterior  rays  of  the  second  dorsal  and  anal  are  less  strongly 
elevated,  (c)  The  scales  are  somewhat  larger,  there  being  3  or  4 
fewer  in  a  lateral  series.  These  authors  give  the  following  color 
description : 

"Color  of  back  slaty  brown,  passing  into  bright,  iridescent  silvery 
at  the  upper  part  of  the  band  of  scales  which  bears  the  lateral  line. 
Upper  end  of  opercle  with  bluish  reflections.  Directly  below  the  lateral 
line  is  a  narrow,  straight,  dusky  streak,  commencing  three  or  four 
scales  from  gill-opening  and  ending  a  little  behind  tip  of  pectoral.  Tips 
of  ventrals  varying  from  slightly  dusky  to  black.  Base  of  caudal  with 
a  dusky  band.  Spinous  dorsal  dark  or  nearly  black.  Other  fins 
colorless." 

Known  from  Cape  San  Lucas  and  Panama  Bay. 

87.  Genus  Holocentrus  Gronow. 

Holocentrus  Gronow,  Zoophyl.,  1763,  65  (type  Holocentrus  sogo  Bloch)  ; 

Bloch,  Ichthyol.,  VII,  1790,  46  (type  Holocentrus  sogo  Bloch). 
Holocenthrus  Scopoli,  Intro.  Hist.  Nat.,  1777,  449,  (no  type  mentioned; 

misprint  for  Holocentrus). 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   297 

Body  oblong,  moderately  compressed;  the  ventral  outline  only  a 
little  curved;  the  back  somewhat  elevated;  head  compressed;  mouth 
rather  small,  terminal ;  maxillary  broad,  with  a  supplemental  bone ;  sub- 
orbital,  opercle  and  preopercle  all  sharply  serrate,  the  opercle  with  i  or 
2  enlarged  spines  at  posterior  angle;  preopercle  with  a  large  spine  at 
angle,  no  recurved  spines  on  suborbital;  scales  moderate,  strongly  ser- 
rate ;  the  dorsal  fins  scarcely  separate,  the  spines  usually  1 1 ;  caudal 
fin  forked ;  anal  spines  4,  the  first  one  very  small. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Caudal   lobes   notably  produced,  the  upper  one  much  longer 
than  the  lower;  soft  dorsal  anteriorly  very  high;  scales  47  to 
51;  gill-rakers  13  to  15;  soft  dorsal  with  15  rays;  color  mostly 
pale  in  spirits.  ascensionis,  p.  297. 

aa.  Caudal  lobes  not  produced,  the  upper  lobe  scarcely  longer  than 
the  lower  one;  soft  dorsal  anteriorly  not  greatly  elevated; 
scales  37  to  40 ;  gill-rakers  7  to  9 ;  color  grayish  or  bluish  above. 

b.  Opercle  with  2  enlarged  spines  of  equal  size  at  angle ;  soft  dor- 
sal with  13  rays;  maxillary  reaching  a  little  beyond  vertical 
from  anterior  margin  of  pupil;  color  brownish  above;  dark 
stripes  present  between  the  rows  of  scales,  most  distinct  on 
upper  part  of  sides;  axil  of  pectoral  deep  black. 

vexillarius,  p.  299. 

bb.  Opercle  with  a  single  greatly  enlarged  spine;  soft  dorsal  with 
14  rays;  maxillary  reaching  to  or  beyond  vertical  from  middle 
of  eye,  2.35  to  2.6  in  head;  color  darker;  no  distinct  dark  stripes 
between  the  rows  of  scales;  axil  of  pectoral  merely  brownish. 

suborbitalis,  p.  300. 

227.  Holocentrus  ascensionis  (Osbeck). 

Perca  ascensionis  Osbeck,  Reise  nach  Ostindien  und  China,  1765,  388 

(Ascension  Island). 
Bodianus  pent-acanthus  Bloch,  Naturg.  Ausl.  Fische,  IV,  1790,  40,  PI. 

CCXXV  (Brazil). 
Amphiprion  matejuelo   Bloch   &   Schneider,    Syst.    Ichth.,    1801,   206 

(Cuba). 

Bodianus  jaguar  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  IV,  1803,  286  (Brazil). 
Holocentrum  longipinne  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  Ill, 

1829,  185   (Martinique;  San  Domingo;  Porto  Rico;  St.  Thomas; 

Havana) . 


298   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Holocentrus  ascensionis  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  848. 

Head  3.2  to  3.55;  depth  2.8  to  3.15;  D.  XI,  15;  A.  IV,  10;  scales 
47  to  51. 

Body  elongate,  moderately  compressed;  the  anterior  profile  con- 
vex; head  a  little  longer  than  deep;  snout  rather  short,  3.9  to  4.4  in 
head;  eye  2.55  to  2.8;  interorbital  not  much  more  than  half  the  eye  in 
specimens  140  mm.  in  length,  proportionately  wider  in  large  specimens ; 
mouth  rather  large,  oblique,  terminal ;  maxillary  reaching  a  little  beyond 
middle  of  eye,  2.15  to  2.3  in  head;  teeth  all  small,  in  villiform  bands 
on  jaws,  vomer  and  palatines;  suborbital,  opercle  and  preopercle 
sharply  serrate;  preopercle  with  an  enlarged  spine  at  angle  at  least 
half  the  length  of  eye  in  large  specimens  (255  mm.),  proportionately 
shorter  in  young ;  opercle  with  a  large  spine  at  posterior  angle,  the  next 
spine  below  it  also  somewhat  enlarged,  the  margin  with  a  U-shaped 
indentation  under  tip  of  preopercular  spine;  suborbital  with  only  the 
anterior  tooth  enlarged;  the  upper  surface  of  head  with  ridges,  but 
without  spinules  except  over  and  back  of  eye;  gill-rakers  slender, 
scarcely  as  long  as  pupil,  13  to  15  developed  on  the  lower  limb  of  the 
first  arch;  scales  strongly  serrate,  wanting  on  upper  surface  of  head, 
but  present  on  preopercle  and  one  series  on  opercle,  extending  on  cau- 
dal fin,  base  of  pectorals,  but  not  on  the  other  fins;  dorsal  fins  not 
separate,  the  last  spine  connected  with  the  first  soft  ray  by  membrane, 
the  spines  strong,  the  third  longest,  about  half  the  length  of  head,  the 
soft  part  anteriorly  notably  elevated,  the  longest  rays  nearly  as  long  as 
head  in  adult,  the  posterior  rays  decreasing  rapidly  in  length;  caudal 
fin  deeply  forked,  the  lobes  pointed,  the  upper  one  much  the  longer; 
anal  fin  with  4  spines,  the  third  much  enlarged,  reaching  past  the  tip 
of  the  fourth,  nearly  as  long  as  the  longest  soft  rays  and  equaling 
about  half  the  head;  ventral  fins  notably  longer  than  the  pectorals, 
inserted  well  behind  the  base  of  pectorals;  pectoral  fins  rather  short, 
1.4  to  1.7  in  head. 

Color  in  life  reddish  above,  with  bluish  reflection  and  brownish 
stripes  between  the  rows  of  scales ;  sides  becoming  paler  red  with  silvery 
and  bluish  reflections,  the  brownish  stripes  between  the  rows  of  scales 
less  distinct  than  along  back ;  chest  and  abdomen  pale  red ;  head  bright 
red;  iris  red;  cornea  brown;  spinous  dorsal  yellowish  red;  the  other 
fins  all  bright  red.  The  body  becomes  largely  pale  in  spirits,  the  lines 
between  the  rows  of  scales  being  only  faintly  visible;  the  fins  are  all 
pale ;  the  upper  parts  and  head  become  brownish  dusky ;  a  pale  bar  ex- 
tends from  maxillary  to  just  below  preopercular  spine. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.  299 

This  species  is  represented  by  35  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from 
140  to  255  mm.  It  lives  among  rocks,  and  in  the  vicinity  of  Pan- 
ama, principally  on  coral  reefs  and  it  is  fairly  abundant.  It  is,  how- 
ever, only  occasionally  seen  in  the  market. 

Known  from  Florida  to  Brazil.  Also  recorded  from  the  eastern 
Atlantic.  Our  specimens  are  from  Toro  Point,  Colon  and  Porto  Bello. 

228.  Holocentrus  vexillarius  Poey. 

Holocentrum  vexillarium  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  158  (Cuba). 

Holocentrus  vexillarius  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  852. 

Head  3.1 ;  depth  2.6  to  2.7;  D.  XI,  13 ;  A.  IV,  9;  scales  39  or  40. 

Body  moderately  slender,  compressed;  head  not  much  longer  than 
deep;  snout  rather  acute,  4.35  in  head;  eye  2.4  to  2.65;  interorbital 
about  three-fourths  the  width  of  eye;  mouth  oblique,  terminal;  the 
maxillary  reaching  a  little  beyond  vertical  from  anterior  margin  of 
pupil,  2.65  to  2.8  in  head;  teeth  minute,  in  villiform  bands  on  jaws, 
vomer  and  palatines ;  suborbital,  opercle  and  preopercle  sharply  serrate ; 
preopercle  with  a  moderately  large  spine  at  angle,  about  as  long  as  pupil ; 
opercle  with  2  spines  of  equal  length  at  posterior  angle;  the  anterior 
spine  of  suborbital  somewhat  enlarged;  gill-rakers  very  short,  9  de- 
veloped on  lower  limb  of  first  arch ;  scales  strongly  serrate,  the  arrange- 
ment as  in  H.  ascensionis ;  the  dorsal  fins  scarcely  connected,  the  spines 
moderate,  the  third  longest,  about  half  the  length  of  head,  the  soft  part 
anteriorly  moderately  elevated,  the  longest  rays,  however,  scarcely  as 
high  as  the  longest  spine;  caudal  fin  forked,  the  lobes  not  much  pro- 
duced, the  upper  one  scarcely  longer  than  the  lower;  anal  fin  with  4 
spines,  the  third  one  much  enlarged,  reaching  much  beyond  the  tip  of 
the  fourth  to  tip  of  the  longest  soft  rays,  about  equal  to  distance  from 
tip  of  snout  to  preopercular  margin;  ventral  and  pectoral  fins  of  about 
equal  length,  1.4  in  head. 

Color  in  alcohol  dusky  brown  above,  with  dark  stripes  between  the 
rows  of  scales ;  lower  parts  pale,  the  stripes  between  the  rows  of  scales 
on  lower  part  of  sides  represented  by  dusky  points,  wanting  on  belly; 
head  brownish,  the  cheeks  and  opercles  with  dark  points ;  spinous  dor- 
sal more  or  less  dusky,  the  membranes  pale  behind  each  spine  and 
black  in  front,  the  black  not  extending  either  to  the  base  or  to  the  tips 
of  the  membranes  between  the  first  and  second  and  the  second  and  third 
spines,  but  extending  as  an  oblique  bar  from  spine  to  spine;  the  other 
fins  all  pale ;  the  axil  of  pectoral  black. 


300    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

This  species  is  represented  by  5  specimens,  ranging  from  95  to  no 
mm.  in  length.  It  was  not  distinguished  from  H.  ascensionis  at  the 
time  of  capture  and  no  color  notes  were  taken.  The  species  of  this 
genus  are  so  poorly  defined  that  we  cannot  be  certain  of  the  proper 
disposition  of  our  specimens,  but  they  certainly  are  identical  with  those 
from  Porto  Rico  described  by  Evermann  &  Marsh,  "The  Fishes  of  Porto 
Rico,"  (Bulletin  of  the  U.  S.  Bureau  of  Fisheries,  XX,  Pt.  I,  1900 
(1902),  p.  119). 

Recorded  from  Porto  Rico  and  Cuba.  Our  specimens  are  from 
Colon  and  Porto  Bello. 

229.  Holocentrus  suborbitalis  Gill. 

Holocentrum  suborbitale  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.   Nat.   Sci.   Phila.,    1863,  86 

(Cape  San  Lucas). 
Holocentrus  suborbitalis  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  850;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  66  (Panama)  ;  Kendall  &  Radcliffe,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp. 

Zool.,  XXXV,  1912,  94  (Toboguilla  and  Perico  Islands,  Panama 

Bay,  etc.). 

Head  2.85  to  3.2;  depth  2.4  to  2.7;  D.  XI,  14  (rarely  13)  ;  A.  IV, 
9 ;  scales  37  to  39. 

Body  rather  deep,  robust,  moderately  compressed;  head  rather 
short;  snout  blunt,  4.35  to  4.6  in  head;  eye  2.55  to  2.9;  interorbital 
broad,  at  least  three-fourths  the  diameter  of  eye  in  large  specimens 
(190  mm.),  proportionately  narrower  in  young,  but  always  more  than 
half  the  width  of  eye;  mouth  moderate,  oblique,  terminal,  maxillary 
reaching  to  or  slightly  beyond  vertical  from  middle  of  eye,  2.35  to  2.6 
in  head;  teeth  all  small,  in  villiform  bands  on  jaws,  vomer  and  pala- 
tines; suborbital,  opercle  and  preopercle  sharply  serrate,  the  preopercle 
with  a  very  large  spine  at  angle,  about  three-fourths  the  length  of  eye 
in  adult,  proportionately  much  shorter  in  young;  opercle  with  a  large 
spine  at  posterior  angle,  the  next  spine  above  it  also  somewhat  enlarged, 
the  margin  with  a  broad  U-shaped  indentation  under  preopercular 
spine;  suborbital  with  only  the  anterior  tooth  somewhat  enlarged;  up- 
per surface  of  head  with  ridges,  and  with  spinules  over  and  back  of 
eye ;  gill-rakers  short  and  blunt,  7  or  8  developed  on  the  lower  limb  of 
first  arch ;  scales  strongly  ctenoid,  the  arrangement  as  in  H.  ascensionis ; 
dorsal  fins  scarcely  connected,  the  membrane  between  the  last  spine  and 
the  first  soft  ray  very  low,  the  spines  strong,  the  third  spine  longest, 
about  half  the  length  of  head;  the  second  dorsal  anteriorly  somewhat 
elevated,  the  longest  rays  about  equal  in  length  to  longest  spine;  cau- 


THE  IJSRJUnr 
OF  THE 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   301 

dal  fin  forked,  the  lobes  not  produced,  rounded,  and  the  upper  scarcely 
longer  than  the  lower ;  anal  fin  with  4  spines,  the  third  spine  much  en- 
larged, reaching  far  beyond  the  tip  of  the  third  spine,  notably  longer 
than  the  longest  soft  rays,  scarcely  shorter  than  distance  from  tip  of 
snout  to  preopercular  margin;  ventral  and  pectoral  fins  of  about  equal 
length,  1.35  to  1.5  in  head. 

Color  in  life  largely  dark  red ;  the  back  more  or  less  steel-gray ; 
sides  and  back  with  purple  reflections ;  head  dark  red,  a  narrow,  curved, 
silvery  stripe  from  snout  to  under  back  of  eye;  another  silvery  streak 
on  margin  of  preopercle;  spinous  dorsal  brownish,  with  pale  spots  at 
base  of  membranes;  the  other  fins  mostly  red.  Color  in  spirits  dark 
grayish  brown  above,  lower  parts  pale,  the  silvery  and  bluish  reflec- 
tions remaining;  the  body  and  head  everywhere  except  on  lower  sur- 
face with  coarse  brown  punctulations. 

This  is  a  rather  common  species  among  the  rocks  and  in  tide  pools. 
We  preserved  47  specimens,  ranging  from  57  to  190  mm.  in  length. 
This  fish  is  used  to  a  limited  extent  as  food,  but  it  is  not  often  seen  in 
the  market. 

Known  from  Cape  San  Lucas  to  the  Galapagos  Islands.  Our  speci- 
mens are  from  Taboga  Island,  Balboa,  and  Panama  City. 

88.  Genus  Plectrypops  Gill. 

Plectrypops  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  237   (type  Holo- 

centrmn  retrospinis  Guichenot) . 

This  genus  may  be  distinguished  from  Holocentrus  by  the  more 
strongly  serrate  suborbital  which  bears  recurved  spines,  by  the  absence 
of  an  enlarged  preopercular  spine,  by  the  numerous  spinules  covering 
the  entire  head  and  by  the  enlarged  median  serrae  of  the  scales. 

A  single  species  is  known. 

230.  Plectrypops  retrospinis  (Guichenot).     (Plate  XXIII.) 

Holocentrum  retrospinis  Guichenot,  in  Sagra,  Hist.  Phys.  Polit.  Nat. 
Cuba,  IV,  Pt.  II,  1853,  35,  PI.  I,  fig.  3  (Cuba). 

Holocentrum  prospinosuwi  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1861,  343  (Cuba). 

Plectrypops  retrospinis  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  237;  Jor- 
dan &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  853. 
Head  2.4  to  2.5;  depth  2.15  to  2.3;  D.  XI-I,  14;  A.  IV,  11 ;  scales 

35  or  36- 

Body  short,  rather  deep,  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  the  an- 
terior profile  gently  convex  to  nearly  straight  over  the  eyes;  head 
rather  short  and  deep;  snout  shorter  than  eye,  5.3  to  5.8;  eye  3.4  to 


302    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

3.9 ;  mouth  large,  oblique,  terminal ;  maxillary  very  broad,  reaching  be- 
yond eye,  1 .75  to  i  .85  in  head ;  teeth  small,  in  villif orm  bands,  present 
on  jaws  only;  opercle,  preopercle  and  suborbital  all  strongly  spinous;  the 
opercle  with  2  enlarged  spines  at  posterior  angle ;  no  especially  enlarged 
spine  at  angle  of  preopercle ;  the  suborbital  with  2  to  5  strong,  recurved 
spines;  gill-rakers  moderate,  14  or  15  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales 
strongly  serrate,  wanting  on  head,  except  on  opercle  and  preopercle, 
the  former  with  a  single  row ;  no  scales  on  vertical  fins ;  the  head  every- 
where with  spinules;  dorsal  fins  separate,  the  spines  rather  strong,  the 
third  and  fourth  spines  longest,  a  little  shorter  than  snout  and  eye ;  the 
soft  dorsal  short,  highest  anteriorly,  the  posterior  rays  not  more  than 
half  the  length  of  the  anterior  ones ;  caudal  fin  forked,  the  lobes  broadly 
rounded;  anal  fin  with  4  spines,  the  first  one  very  small,  scarcely  pro- 
jecting above  the  scales,  the  third  spine  strongest,  usually  reaching  past 
the  tip  of  the  third  when  deflexed;  ventral  fins  moderate,  somewhat 
shorter  than  pectorals,  inserted  under  base  of  pectorals;  pectoral  fins 
rather  broad,  the  upper  rays  longest,  1.6  to  1.75  in  head. 

Color  in  life  bright  red,  the  lower  parts  slightly  paler;  the  iris  and 
fins  of  the  same  color  as  body.  These  colors  all  fade  in  spirits,  leaving 
a  pale  straw-color. 

This  fish,  which  has  rarely  appeared  in  collections,  is  represented  by 
9  specimens,  ranging  in  length  from  73  to  115  mm.  It  lives  among 
the  rocks  and  was  taken  only  by  the  use  of  dynamite.  This  fish  is 
easily  distinguished  by  the  recurved  spines  on  the  suborbital.  These 
spines  were  incorrectly  assigned  to  the  preopercle  by  Jordan  &  Ever- 
mann  in  the  generic  description.  The  recurved  suborbital  spines  are 
not  definitely  3  in  number,  and  occasionally  not  present  in  an  equal 
number  on  both  suborbitals  of  the  same  fish. 

Previously  recorded  from  the  Bermudas  and  from  Cuba.  Our 
specimens  are  from  Toro  Point  and  Porto  Bello. 


Family  XL.    Mullidje. 

THE  SURMULLETS. 

Body  elongate,  more  or  less  compressed ;  head  rather  deep,  its 
upper  profile  strongly  convex;  eye  moderate,  placed  high;  mouth 
small,  low,  terminal;  premaxillaries  more  or  less  protractile;  maxil- 
laries  thin,  nearly  as  broad  at  base  as  at  tip,  without  supplemental 
bone;  preopercle  entire  or  slightly  serrate;  opercle  unarmed  or  with 
a  single  spine;  branchiostegals  4;  pseudobranchise  present;  two  long, 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   303 

unbranched  barbels  attached  just  back  of  symphysis  of  lower  jaw; 
teeth  mostly  small,  variously  placed;  no  canines,  incisors,  or  molars; 
scales  large,  usually  slightly  ctenoid,  present  on  head  and  body; 
lateral  line  complete,  the  pores  often  branched;  dorsal  fins  2,  far 
apart,  the  first  with  6  to  8  spines ;  anal  fin  short,  similar  to  soft  dorsal, 
with  i  or  2  small  spines;  ventral  fins  thoracic,  I,  5;  vertebrae  9  -j-  14; 
stomach  siphonal;  pyloric  caeca  about  20. 


89.  Genus  Upeneus  Cuvier. 

Upeneus  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  II,  II,  1829,  157  (type  Mullus 

bifasciatus  Lacepede) . 
Pseudupeneus    Bleeker,    Versl.    Ak.    Amsterdam,    XIV,    1862,    134 

(type  Upeneus  prayensis  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 
Parupeneus    Bleeker,    Nederl.    Tijdsch.    Dierk.,    I,    1863,    342,    345 

(type  Mullus  bifasciatus  Lacepede). 

Body  oblong,  compressed ;  head  moderate ;  mouth  low,  nearly 
horizontal;  jaws  subequal;  the  bone  forming  a  hook  above  maxillary 
rather  small;  eye  placed  high;  interorbital  space  flat  or  slightly  con- 
cave; opercle  deep,  with  a  single  posterior  spine;  barbels  nearly  as 
long  as  head;  teeth  rather  short  and  strong,  unequal,  in  one  or  two 
irregular  series  in  each  jaw,  none  on  vomer  or  palatines;  scales 
large,  ctenoid;  lateral  line  complete,  the  pores  branched;  dorsal  fins 
separate,  the  first  with  7  or  8  spines;  anal  with  i  or  2  spines;  caudal 
fin  forked. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Scales  large,  30  to  32  in  a  lateral  series. 

b.  Body  rather  slender,  the  depth  3.6  to  4.05  in  length;  mouth 
small,  the  maxillary  not  nearly  reaching  anterior  margin  of 
eye,  3.3  to  3.6  in  head ;  sides  with  3  or  4  black  blotches. 

maculatus,  p.  303. 

bb.  Body  deep,  the  depth  2.7  to  3.3  in  length;  mouth  larger, 
the  maxillary  reaching  nearly  or  quite  to  anterior  margin 
of  eye,  2.66  to  3.05  in  head ;  sides  with  2  black  blotches. 

grandisquamis,  p.  305. 

aa.  Scales  smaller,  39  or  40  in  a  lateral  series;  sides  with  a 
yellowish  longitudinal  streak.  martinicus,  p.  306. 

231.  Upeneus  maculatus  (Bloch). 

Mullus  maculatus  Bloch,  Naturg.  Ausl.  Fische,  VII,  1793,  95  (Brazil). 


304    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Upeneus  maculatus   Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,   Hist.    Nat.    Poiss.,   IIIT 

1829,  478;  Gxinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  I,  1859,  408;  Jordan 

&   Evermann,   Bull.   U.    S.    Nat.    Mus.,   XLVII,    1896,   858,    PI. 

CXXXII,  fig.  362. 
Upeneus   punctatus  Cuvier  &   Valenciennes,   Hist.    Nat.   Poiss.,    IIIr 

1829,  482    (Martinique). 
Mullhypeneus  maculatus  Poey,  Syn.  Pise.  Cub.,  1868,  307. 

Head  3.1  to  3.23;  depth  3.6  to  4.05;  D.  VIII-I,  8;  A.  I  or  II,  6; 
scales  30  to  32. 

Body  elongate;  anterior  profile  nearly  evenly  convex,  slightly 
angled  in  front  of  eyes;  ventral  outline  anteriorly  nearly  straight; 
head  moderately  elongate,  convex  above ;  skull  only  slightly  expanded 
in  advance  of  eyes;  snout  rather  long  and  pointed,  1.8  to  2.3  in 
head;  eye  3.65  to  4.8;  mouth  moderate,  nearly  horizontal;  lower  jaw 
included ;  maxillary  not  nearly  reaching  eye,  3.3  to  3.6  in  head ;  teeth 
in  the  jaws  short  and  blunt,  mostly  uniserial,  sometimes  more  or 
less  irregularly  biserial  anteriorly  in  lower  jaw;  gill-membranes 
rather  broadly  united  across  the  isthmus;  gill-rakers  well  developed, 
15  to  17,  exclusive  of  3  or  4  rudiments,  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch; 
scales  large,  sharply  ctenoid;  lateral  line  following  the  curve  of  the 
back,  the  pores  considerably  branched;  dorsal  fins  2,  well  separated, 
the  first  with  8  spines,  the  first  spine  very  short,  the  others  rather 
long  and  slender,  the  longest  a  little  shorter  than  pectorals;  second 
dorsal  rather  low,  its  outer  posterior  margin  slightly  convex,  insert- 
ed a  little  in  advance  of  the  anal ;  caudal  fin  forked,  the  lobes  of  equal 
length ;  anal  slightly  shorter  than  the  second  dorsal,  its  outer  posterior 
margin  slightly  concave;  ventral  fins  large,  a  little  longer  than  the 
pectorals,  inserted  under  their  bases;  pectoral  fins  inserted  below 
longitudinal  axis  of  body,  1.43  to  1.65  in  head. 

Color  in  alcohol  grayish  above,  pale  below;  sides  with  about  4 
dark  blotches;  dorsal  fins  and  caudal  slightly  dusky;  other  fins  pale. 
Color  in  life  greenish  brown  above ;  sides  green,  with  tinge  of  red ; 
pale  below;  a  broken  reddish  brown  band  extending  from  eye  back- 
ward on  upper  half  of  caudal  peduncle,  making  about  4  broad, 
brownish  blotches  along  sides ;  lower  part  of  head  red ;  barbels  yellow ; 
sides  of  head  with  a  blue  line  from  maxillary  pas-sing  under  eye  to 
upper  angle  of  gill-opening,  3  narrower  bluish  lines  above  this  one; 
rows  of  scales  above  lateral  line,  and  one  row  just  below  lateral  line, 
each  with  a  row  of  bluish  dots;  dorsal  fins  and  upper  lobe  of 
caudal  greenish,  with  a  tinge  of  red;  lower  lobe  of  caudal,  anal, 
ventrals  and  pectorals  red. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    305 

Of  thig  species  there  are  54  specimens,  ranging  from  60  to 
220  mm.  in  length,  in  the  present  collection. 

Known  from  Florida  south  to  Rio  Janeiro.  Our  specimens  are 
from  Fox  Bay,  Colon;  and  Porto  Bello. 


232.  Upeneus  grandisquamis  Gill. 

Upeneus  grandisquamis  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,    1863,   168 

(West  Coast  of  Central  America)  ;  Steindachner,  (Sitzb.  k.  Ak. 

Wiss.  Wien,  LXXII)  Ichth.  Beitr.,  IV,  1875,  6;  Jordan  &  Ever- 

mann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  860 ;  Gilbert  &  Starks, 

Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  67. 
Upeneus   tetraspilus   Giinther,    Proc.   Zool.    Soc.   London,    1864,    148 

(Panama),    and    Trans.     Zool.    Soc.     London,    VI,     1868,    420, 

PI.  LXVI,  fig.  i. 

Head  3.0  to  3.5;  depth  2.7  to  3.3;  D.  VIII-I,  8;  A.  I,  6;  scales 
30  to  32. 

Body  rather  deep,  anterior  profile  rather  steep,  somewhat  angled 
in  front  of  eyes ;  ventral  outline  anteriorly  straight ;  head  moderate, 
convex  above;  skull  expanded  in  advance  of  eyes;  snout  rather 
short  and  blunt,  its  length  2.1  to  2.53  in  head;  eye  3.9  to  4.5;  mouth 
rather  large,  nearly  horizontal;  lower  jaw  included;  maxillary  reach- 
ing nearly  or  quite  to  anterior  margin  of  eye,  2.66  to  3.05  in  head; 
teeth  in  anterior  part  of  jaws  biserial,  those  of  the  outer  series  in 
upper  jaw  very  obtuse  and  partly  confluent;  gill-membranes  rather 
broadly  united  across  the  isthmus;  gill-rakers  moderately  developed, 
12  to  14,  exclusive  of  rudiments,  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales 
large,  ctenoid;  lateral  line  following  the  curve  of  the  back,  the  pores 
branched;  dorsal  fins  2,  well  separated,  the  first  with  8  spines,  the 
first  one  short,  the  others  rather  long,  the  longest  not  much  shorter 
than  pectorals;  second  dorsal  rather  low,  its  outer  posterior  margin 
nearly  straight ;  ventral  fins  large,  nearly  as  long  as  pectorals,  inserted 
under  their  base;  pectoral  fins  inserted  below  longitudinal  axis  of 
body,  1.24  to  1.43  in  head. 

Color  light  greenish  brown  above,  rose-color  below  lateral  line; 
,1  pearly  spot  on  center  of  each  scale;  a  larger  black  blotch  on  lateral 
line  behind  spinous  dorsal;  a  smaller  and  somewhat  indistinct  black 
spot  behind  orbit;  dorsal  fins  spotted  with  color  of  back;  other  fins 
plain. 

Of  this  species  20  specimens,  ranging  from  85  to  195  turn,  in 
length,  were  preserved. 


306   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Known  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  Central  America  from  Guaymas 
to  Panama.  Our  specimens  are  from  Chame  Point,  Naos  Island  and 
Panama  market. 


233.  Upeneus  martinicus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes. 

Upeneus  martinicus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,   Hist.   Nat   Poiss.,   Ill, 

1829,  483   (Martinique)  ;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  859. 
Upeneus  balteatus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  Ill,  1829. 

484  (Cuba). 

Upeneus  flavo-vittatus  Poey,  Memorias,  I,  1851,  224  (Cuba). 
Mulloides  flavovittatus  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  I,  1859,  403. 

Head  3.25  to  3.6;  depth  3.5  to  4.2;  D.  VII-I,  8;  A.  II,  6;  scales 
39  or  40. 

Body  moderately  elongate;  profile  ascending  strongly  from  tip 
of  snout  to  anterior  margin  of  eyes,  from  thence  to  first  dorsal  only 
slightly  convex  and  little  elevated;  ventral  outline  anteriorly  nearly 
straight;  head  rather  short  and  flat  above;  skull  broadened  in  front 
of  eyes ;  snout  rather  short  and  blunt,  its  length  2.35  to  3.0  in  head ; 
eye  3.4  to  3.7;  mouth  moderate,  horizontal;  lower  jaw  included; 
maxillary  failing  to  reach  anterior  margin  of  eye,  3.14  to  3.3  in 
head;  teeth  in  the  jaws  blunt,  in  front  in  3  irregular  series,  then  in 
2  series  and  posteriorly  in  a  single  series;  gill-membranes  nearly 
separate;  gill-rakers  well  developed,  16  or  17,  exclusive  of  3  or  4 
rudiments,  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales  moderate,  sharply 
ctenoid;  lateral  line  following  the  curve  of  the  back,  the  pores 
much  branched;  dorsal  fins  2,  well  separated,  the  first  with  7  rather 
strong  spines,  the  short  one,  usually  preceding  the  long  spines  in 
other  species  of  this  genus,  wanting  in  specimens  at  hand,  the  longest 
spine  a  little  longer  than  pectorals;  second  dorsal  and  anal  similar, 
rather  small,  and  placed  opposite  each  other,  their  outer  posterior 
margins  concave;  caudal  fin  deeply  forked,  the  lobes  of  about  equal 
length ;  ventral  fins  as  long  as  the  pectorals,  inserted  under  their  base, 
1.57  to  1.73  in  head. 

Color  in  alcohol  grayish  above,  pale  below;  a  slight  trace  of  a 
pale  stripe  on  anterior  portion  of  the  body  below  lateral  line;  fins 
all  pale.  Color  in  life  mostly  reddish;  stripe  on  sides  yellow. 

A  single  specimen  of  this  species,  275  mm.  in  length,  was  obtained. 
We  have  also  examined  2  specimens  from  Nassau  and  one  from 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.  307 

St.  Croix,  ranging  from  115  to  255  mm.  in  length.     The  above  de- 
scription is  based  on  all  the  material  examined. 

Known  from  Florida  south  to  Panama.     Our  specimen  is  from 
Porto  Bello.    Previously  not  recorded  from  south  of  the  West  Indies. 


Family  XLI.    Scombridae. 

THE  MACKERELS. 

Body  elongate,  more  or  less  fusiform,  not  much  compressed;  head 
conical;  snout  pointed;  mouth  large,  cleft  lateral;  premaxillaries 
not  protractile;  maxillary  concealed  by  preorbital  or  not,  without  a 
supplemental  bone;  jaws  with  sharp  teeth,  large  or  small;  vomer 
and  palatines  with  or  without  teeth;  preopercle  in  very  young  with 
radiating  spines,  entire  in  adult;  opercle  unarmed;  gill-openings  wide, 
the  membranes  separate,  free  from  the  isthmus;  pseudobranchise 
large;  gills-  4,  a  slit  behind  the  fourth;  gill-rakers  usually  long; 
branchiostegals  7;  scales  small,  usually  covering  entire  body,  some- 
times forming  a  corselet  about  pectoral  region;  caudal  peduncle 
slender,  usually  with  a  median,  lateral  keel;  dorsal  fins  2,  the  first 
with  rather  weak  spines,  depressible  in  a  groove;  second  dorsal  and 
anal  similar,  anteriorly  more  or  less  elevated,  each  followed  by  a 
series  of  finlets;  anal  spines  weak;  caudal  very  broadly  forked; 
ventral  fins  of  moderate  size,  thoracic,  I,  5;  pectorals  long  or  short; 
vertebrae  31  to  66.  Prevailing  color  steel-blue  above;  more  or  less- 
silvery  below. 

KEY  TO  THE  GENERA. 

a.  Maxillary  wholly  concealed  by  preorbital;  no  median  keel  on 
caudal  peduncle.  Scomber,  p.  308. 

aa.     Maxillary  not  wholly  concealed   by  preorbital;   median  keel 
on  caudal  peduncle  more  or  less  developed. 

b.  Scales    present    on    anterior   part  of    body    only,    forming    a 
corselet,  the  rest  of  body  naked;  palatine  teeth  wanting. 

c.  Dorsal  fins  close  together,  contiguous;  the  first  with  15  or  16 
spines.  Gymnosarda,  p.  310. 

cc.     Dorsal  fins-  far  apart,  the  interval  between  them  nearly  equaling 
the  length  of  the  head ;  the  first  with  9  or  10  spines. 

Auxis,  p.  312. 

bb.     Entire   body   covered   with   scales,    sometimes   very    small   or 
rudimentary,  forming  a  corselet  or  not;  palatine  teeth  present. 


308    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

d.  Snout  of  moderate  length,  not  beak-like;  maxillary  posterior- 
ly exposed,  not  concealed  by  preorbital. 

e.  Teeth  on  jaws  small,  conical,  not  compressed;  gill-rakers  long 
and  slender,  numerous,  20  or  more  on  lower  limb  of  first 
arch. 

f.  Body  oblong,  compressed,  not  exceptionally  robust;  pectoral 
fins  of  moderate  length,  always  notably  shorter  than  head. 

Thunnus,  p.  314. 

ff.  Body  short,  slightly  compressed,  very  robust;  pectoral  fins 
of  extreme  length,  much  longer  than  head.  Germo.,  p.  315. 

ee.  Teeth  on  jaws  rather  strong,  more  or  less  compressed,  some- 
times triangular,  with  sharp  cutting  edges;  gill-rakers  rather 
short,  fewer  than  20  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch. 

g.  Vomer  toothless;  palatine  teeth  in  a  single  series,  similar  in 
size  and  shape  to  those  on  jaws;  first  dorsal  long,  with  18  to 
22  spines;  scales  of  pectoral  region  forming  a  rather  distinct 
corselet.  Sarda,  p.  317. 

gg.  Vomer  and  palatines  with  bands  of  granular  teeth;  first 
dorsal  rather  short,  with  14  to  18  feeble  spines;  scales  not 
forming  a  corselet.  Scomberomorus,  p.  321. 

dd.  Snout  extremely  long,  beak-like,  longer  than  rest  of  head; 
maxillary  posteriorly  concealed  by  preorbital. 

Acanthocybium,  p.  326. 

90.    Genus  Scomber  Linnaeus. 

Scomber   Linnaeus,    Syst.    Nat.,    Ed.    X,    1758,   297,    (type   Scomber 

scombrus  Linnaeus). 
Cordylus   Gronow,   Cat.    Fish,    1854,    163,    (type   Scomber   scombrus 

Linnaeus. 

Body  elongate,  nearly  fusiform,  very  slightly  compressed;  head 
long  and  low;  mouth  rather  large;  maxillary  slipping  entirely  under 
preorbital ;  teeth  small,  in  a  single  series  on  jaws,  vomer  and  palatines ; 
gill-rakers  long  and  slender;  lateral  line  not  forming  a  medium  keel 
on  caudal  peduncle;  scales  small,  covering  entire  body,  not  forming 
a  corselet;  first  dorsal  with  9  to  12  slender  spines,  separated  from 
second  dorsal  by  a  space  about  equal  to  length  of  its  base;  second 
dorsal  and  anal  each  followed  by  5  to  9  finlets;  ventrals  and  pectorals 
small,  the  latter  inserted  on  level  with  eyes. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   309 

234.    Scomber  colias  Gmelin. 

Scomber  colias  Gmelin,  Syst.  Nat,  I,  1789,  1329  (Sardinia)  ;  Dresslar 

£  Fesler,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish.  Comm.,  VII,  1887  (1889),  432;  Jordan 

&   Evermann,   Bull.   U.    S.    Nat.    Mus.,   XLVII,    1896,   866,   PI. 

CXXXIII,  fig.  364. 

Scomber  lacertus  Walbaum,  Artedi  Piscium,  III,  1792,  209  (Sardinia). 
Scomber   pneumatophorus   Delaroche,   Ann.    Mus.    Hist.    Nat.    Paris, 

XIII,  1809,  315  &  334  (Balearic  Islands). 
Scomber  macro pthalmus  Rafinesque,  Ind.  d'ltt.  Sicil.,  etc.,   1810,   15 

(Palermo). 
Scomber  grex  Mitchill,  Trans.  Lit.  &  Phil.  Soc.  N.  Y.,  I,  1815,  422 

(New  York). 

Scomber  maculatus  Couch,  Mag.  Nat.  Hist.,  V,  1832,  22  (England). 
Scomber  undulatus  Swainson,  Nat.  Hist.  &  Class.  Fish.,  II,  1839,  409 

(Sicily). 
Scomber  gracilis  Swainson,  Nat.  Hist  &  Class.  Fish.,  II,   1839,  410 

(Sicily). 

Scomber  diego  Ayres,  Proc.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  1856,  92  (Santa  Barbara). 
Scomber   Dekayi    Storer,    Fishes    Massachusetts,    1867,    53,    PI.    XI, 

fig.  i   (Coast  of  Massachusetts). 

Head  3.34  to  3.8;  depth  4.5  to  5.85;  D.  X  or  Xl-n  or  I2-V;  A. 
I-I,  10  to  I2-V. 

Body  elongate,  nearly  fusiform,  very  slightly  compressed;  dorsal 
and  ventral  outlines  about  evenly  curved;  head  long  and  low;  snout 
pointed,  its  length  3.12  to  3.7  in  head;  eye  3.9  to  4.8;  mouth  moderate, 
oblique;  jaws  subequal;  maxillary  reaching  anterior  margin  of  pupil, 
2.4  to  2.65  in  head ;  teeth  small,  present  on  jaws,  vomer,  and  palatines ; 
gill-rakers  slender,  nearly  as  long  as  eye,  25  to  30  on  lower  limb  of 
first  arch;  lateral  line  without  a  distinct  curve;  no  keel  on  caudal 
peduncle;  scales  small,  covering  entire  body;  first  dorsal  with  10  or 
ii  spines,  the  anterior  ones  long  and  slender,  equal  to  length  of  eye 
and  snout,  the  posterior  ones  very  short;  second  dorsal  and  anal 
similar,  very  small,  each  with  4  or  5  finlets ;  caudal  very  broadly  forked ; 
ventrals  and  pectorals  rather  small,  the  latter  2.4  to  2.65  in  head. 

Color  bluish  above,  silvery  below;  back  with  numerous  wavy 
blackish  streaks  or  reticulations ;  a  black  axillary  spot  present. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us.  Here  described  from  9  spec- 
imens, ranging  in  length  from  95  to  315  mm.  Specimens  examined 
are  from  Italy,  Massachusetts,  New  York,  California,  Japan  and  Corea. 

A  very  widely  distributed  species  which  inhabits  both  the  Atlantic 
and  Pacific  oceans,  but  not  yet  recorded  from  either  coast  of  Panama. 


310   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

91.    Genus  Gymnosarda  Gill. 

Gymnosarda  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  125  (type  Thynnus 

unicolor  Riippell). 

Body  elongate,  somewhat  compressed,  robust;  head  large,  taper- 
ing rather  strongly  to  pointed  snout;  mouth  moderate;  maxillary  not 
concealed  by  preorbital;  teeth  present  on  jaws  only,  small  and  in  a 
single  series;  gill-rakers  long  and  slender,  numerous;  lateral  line 
with  or  without  an  evident  downward  curve,  with  a  feebly  or  mod- 
erately developed  median  keel  on  caudal  peduncle;  scales  present  on 
anterior  part  of  body,  forming  a  distinct  corselet,  the  rest  of  body 
naked;  first  dorsal  with  15  or  16  spines,  contiguous  to  second 
dorsal;  second  dorsal  and  anal  each  followed  by  6  to  8  finlets; 
ventrals  and  pectorals  small,  the  latter  inserted  on  level  with  about 
middle  of  eyes. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Lateral  line  with  a  distinct  downward  curve  under  second 
dorsal;  gill-rakers  numerous,  37  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch; 
sides  below  lateral  line  with  several  black  longitudinal  stripes. 

pelamis,  p.  310. 

aa.  Lateral  line  without  an  evident  downward  curve  under  second 
dorsal ;  gill-rakers  fewer,  23  to  27  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch ; 
several  black  spots,  about  the  size  of  pupil,  below  base  of  pec- 
torals; sides  below  lateral  line  without  black  longitudinal 
stripes.  attetterata,  p.  311. 

235.  Gymnosarda  pelamis  (Linnaeus). 

Scomber  pelamis  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1858,  297  ("In  Pelago 

inter  Tropicos"). 
Scomber  pelamides  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  Ill,  1802,  14  (after 

Linnaeus ) . 
Thynnus  pelamys   Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.   Nat.   Poiss.,   VIII, 

1831,  113,  PI.  CCXIV. 

Orcynus  pelamys  Poey,  Syn.  Pise.  Cub.,  1868,  362. 
Euthynnus  pelamys  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U  S..  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI, 

1883,  430. 
Gymnosarda  pelamis  Dresslar  &  Fesler,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish.  Comm.,  VII, 

1887   (1889),  436;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  868. 

Head  3.1  to  3.45;  depth  3.75  to  3.8;  D.  XV-I4  or  I5-VIII;  A.  II, 
I3-VIL 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   311 

Body  elongate,  somewhat  compressed,  robust;  dorsal  and  ventral 
outlines  about  evenly  curved;  head  large;  snout  sharply  pointed, 
its  length  3.45  to  3.55  in  head;  eye  5.8  to  6.7;  mouth  of  moderate 
size,  oblique;  jaws  subequal;  maxillary  reaching  anterior  margin  of 
pupil,  2.5  to  2.7  in  head;  teeth  in  the  jaws  small,  in  a  single  series, 
none  on  vomer,  palatines,  or  tongue;  gill-rakers  long  and  slender, 
nearly  as  long  as  eye,  37  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch ;  lateral  line  with 
a  downward  curve  under  second  dorsal,  then  horizontal  to  caudal  fin; 
a  very  feebly  developed  keel  on  caudal  peduncle;  first  dorsal  with  15 
spines,  the  anterior  ones  the  longest,  as  long  as  eye  and  snout,  the 
posterior  ones  very  short;  second  dorsal  and  anal  similar,  small, 
somewhat  elevated  anteriorly,  their  outer  margin  concave,  each  with 
7  or  8  finlets;  caudal  very  broadly  forked;  ventrals  and  pectorals 
rather  small,  the  latter  2.05  to  2.15  in  head. 

Color  bluish  above,  silvery  below;  sides  below  lateral  line  with 
several  longitudinal  stripes,  which  on  some  specimens  follow  the 
curve  of  the  abdomen,  but  on  others  are  straight  and  horizontal; 
tongue  and  inside  of  mouth  silvery. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us.  It  is  here  described  from  2 
specimens,  one  from  San  Diego,  California,  and  the  other  from  Japan, 
respectively  460  and  415  mm.  in  length. 

A  pelagic  species,  inhabiting  all  warm  seas,  but  not  yet  recorded 
from  either  coast  of  Panama. 

236.     Gymnosarda  alletterata  (Rafinesque). 

Scomber  alletteratus  Rafinesque,  Caratteri,  etc.,  1810,  46  (Palermo). 

Thynnus  leachianus  Risso,  Hist.  Nat.  Princ.  Prod.  1'Europe,  III,  1826, 

414  (Nice). 
Scomber  quadripunctatus  Geoffrey  St.  Hilaire,  Descr.  Egypte,  Poiss., 

1827,  PI.  XXIV,  fig.  3  (Egypt). 
Thynnus  thunnia  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VIII,  1831, 

104,  PI.  CCXII  (Mediterranean). 
Thynnus  brasiliensis  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VIII, 

1831,  no  (Brazil). 
Thynnus  brevipinnis  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VIII, 

1831,  112   (Mediterranean). 

Thynnus  affinis  Cantor,  Cat.  Malay  Fishes,  1850,  106  (Sea  of  Pinang). 
Orcynus  alliteratus  Gill,  Rept.  U.  S.  Fish.  Comm.,  I,  1871-72  (1873), 

802. 

Orcynus  thunnina  Poey,  Enumeratio,  1875,  72. 
Thynnichthys  thunnina  Giglioli,  Cat.  dei  Pesci  Italiani,  1880,  25. 


312    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Thynnichthys  brevipinnis  Giglioli,  Cat.  dei  Pesci  Italiani,  1880,  25. 
Euthynnns  alliteratus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVIr 

1883,  430. 
Gymnosarda  alletterata  Dresslar  &  Fesler,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish.  Comm.,  VII, 

1887  (1889),  436- 
Gymnosarda  alleterata  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  869,  PI.  CXXXIV,  fig.  366. 

Head  3.45  to  3.6;  depth  3.8  to  4.1 ;  D.  XV  or  XVI-ii  to  13- VIII; 
A.  II,  12  or  I3-VI  or  VII. 

Body  elongate,  somewhat  compressed,  robust;  dorsal  and  ventral 
outlines  about  evenly  curved ;  head  large ;  snout  pointed,  its  length  3.25 
to  3.7  in  head ;  eye  5.25  to  6.5 ;  mouth  rather  large,  oblique ;  jaws  sub- 
equal;  maxillary  reaching  middle  of  eye,  2.3  to  2.6  in  head;  teeth 
present  on  jaws  only,  small,  in  a  single  series;  gill-rakers  rather  long 
and  slender,  not  much  shorter  than  eye,  23  to  27  on  lower  limb  of  first 
arch;  lateral  line  sometimes  more  or  less  wavy,  never  with  a  distinct 
downward  curve  under  second  dorsal;  keel  on  caudal  peduncle  mod- 
erately developed;  first  dorsal  with  15  or  16  spines,  the  anterior  ones 
the  longest,  as  long  as  snout  and  eye,  the  posterior  ones  very  short; 
second  dorsal  and  anal  similar,  small,  somewhat  elevated  anteriorly, 
their  outer  margin  concave,  each  with  6  to  8  finlets ;  caudal  very  broadly 
forked;  ventrals  and  pectorals  small,  the  latter  1.62  to  2.05  in  head. 

Color  bluish  above,  silvery  below;  sides  above  lateral  line  usually 
with  short,  oblique,  black  lines  running  upward  and  backward,  these 
sometimes  broken  up  into  more  or  less  distinct  black  spots.  In  a  few 
of  the  alcoholic  specimens  at  hand  the  back  appears  to  be  perfectly 
plain,  without  lines  or  spots.  Region  below  pectorals  with  several  black 
spots  of  about  the  size  of  pupil ;  no  black  stripes  below  lateral  line. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us.  It  is  here  described  from  6  speci- 
mens, ranging  in  length  from  270  to  950  mm.  Specimens  examined  are 
from  Massachusetts;  Florida;  Hawaiian  Islands;  Philippine  Islands 
and  Java. 

A  pelagic  species  known  from  all  warm  seas;  not  recorded  from 
either  coast  of  Panama. 


92.  Genus  Auxis  Cuvier. 

Auxis  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  II,  II,  1829,  199   (type  Scomber 

rochei  Risso=Scomber  thazard  Lacepede) . 

Body  nearly  fusiform,  slightly  compressed,  robust ;  head  large,  tap- 
ering strongly  to  pointed  snout;  mouth  rather  small;  maxillary  not 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   313 

concealed  by  preorbital ;  teeth  minute,  present  on  jaws  and  occasionally 
a  few  on  vomer;  gill-rakers  rather  long  and  slender;  lateral  line  with- 
but  a  distinct  arch ;  a  rather  small  keel  on  caudal  peduncle ;  scales  present 
on  anterior  portion  of  body,  forming  a  corselet,  the  rest  of  body  naked ; 
first  dorsal  with  9  or  10  spines,  separated  from  second  dorsal  by  a 
space  nearly  equal  to  length  of  head;  second  dorsal  and  anal  each  fol- 
lowed by  7  or  8  finlets ;  ventrals  and  pectorals  small,  the  latter  inserted 
on  level  with  eyes. 

237.  Auxis  thazard  (Lacepede). 

Scomber  thazard  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  Ill,  1802,  9  (Off  coast 

of  New  Guinea). 

Scomber  rochei  Risso,  Ichth.  de  Nice,  1810,  165  (Nice). 
Scomber  bisus  Rafinesque,  Caratteri,  etc.,  1810,  45  (Palermo). 
Thynnus  rocheanus  Risso,  Hist.  Nat.   Princ.  Prod.  1'Europe,  III,  1826, 

417  (Nice). 
Auxis  vulgaris  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VIII,  1831, 

139,  PI.  CCXVI  (Mediterranean). 
Auxis  tapeinosoma  Bleeker,  Verh.  Batav.  Gen.,  XXVI,  1854,  98,  PI. 

VII,  fig.  i  (Japan). 
Auxis   thynnoides   Bleeker,    Nat.    Tijd.    Ned.-Ind.,   VIII,    1855,   301 

(Ternate). 
Auxis  rochei  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  II,  1860,  369;  Jordan  & 

Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI,  1883,  425. 
Auxis  thazard  Dresslar  &  Fesler,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish  Comm.,  VII,  1887 

(1889),  434;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  867,  PI.  CXXXIII,  fig.  365. 

Head  3.45  to  3.8;  depth  4.0  to  4.8;  D.  IX  or  X-io  or  n-VIII; 
A.  II,  10  or  n-VII. 

Body  nearly  fusiform,  slightly  compressed,  robust;  the  ventral 
outline  a  little  more  strongly  convex  than  the  dorsal ;  head  large ;  snout 
pointed,  its  length  4.2  to  4.8  in  head;  eye  5.15  to  5.5;  mouth  moderate, 
rather  strongly  oblique;  jaws  subequal;  maxillary  reaching  to  or  slightly 
past  anterior  margin  of  pupil,  3.0  to  3.35  in  head ;  teeth  minute,  present 
on  jaws,  and  occasionally  a  few  on  vomer,  none  on  palatines;  gill- 
rakers  very  slender,  about  three- fourths  the  length  of  eye,  29  to  32  on 
lower  limb  of  first  arch ;  lateral  line  more  or  less  wavy,  without  a  dis- 
tinct arch ;  keel  on  caudal  peduncle  not  greatly  developed ;  first  dorsal 
with  9  or  10  spines,  the  anterior  ones  the  longest,  as  long  as  snout  and 
eye,  decreasing  rapidly  in  length  posteriorly,  separated  from  soft  dorsal 
by  a  distance  not  much  shorter  than  head ;  second  dorsal  and  anal  simi- 


314   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

lar,  very  small,  each  with  7  or  8  finlets;  caudal  very  broadly  forked; 
ventrals  capable  of  being  partly  covered  by  the  corselet,  slightly  shorter 
than  snout  and  eye;  pectorals  short,  1.97  to  2.38  in  head. 

Color  bluish  above,  silvery  below;  sides  above  lateral  line  and  be- 
hind corselet  with  black  spots  or  more  or  less  wavy  bars;  no  mark- 
ings of  any  kind  below  lateral  line. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us.  It  is  here  described  from  6  speci- 
mens, ranging  in  length  from  235  to  365  mm.  Specimens  examined  are 
from  Woods  Hole,  Massachusetts ;  Hawaii ;  and  Java. 

Known  from  all  warm  seas;  not  recorded  from  either  coast  of 
Panama. 

93.    Genus  Thunnus  South. 

Thynnus  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  I,  1817,  313,  (type  Scomber  thyn- 

nus  Linnaeus;  preoccupied,  a  genus  of  butterflies). 
Thunnus  South,  Encycl.  Metro.,  V,  1845,  620  (type  Scomber  thynnus 

Linnaeus;  substitute  for  Thynnus  Cuvier,  preoccupied). 
Orycnus  Cooper,  Proc.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  Ill,   1863,  77    (type  Scomber 

thynnus  Linnaeus;  not  Orycnus  Gill,  1861 ;  a  misprint  of  Orcynus). 
Albacora  Jordan,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1888,  180  (type  Scomber 

thynnus  Linnaeus;  substitute  for  Thynnus  Cuvier). 

Body  oblong,  rather  deep,  compressed;  head  large,  tapering  to  the 
conical  snout;  mouth  moderate;  maxillary  not  concealed  by  preorbital; 
teeth  in  jaws  small,  in  a  single  series,  those  on  vomer  and  palatines  in 
villiform  bands;  gill-rakers  long  and  slender,  numerous;  lateral  line 
without  distinct  arch  or  curve,  with  a  feeble  keel  on  caudal  peduncle; 
scales  covering  entire  body,  those  of  corselet  notably  enlarged;  first 
dorsal  with  12  to  15  spines;  interval  between  dorsal  fins  slight;  second 
dorsal  and  anal  each  followed  by  8  or  9  finlets ;  ventrals  and  pectorals 
of  moderate  length,  the  latter  inserted  rather  high. 

238.     Thunnus  thynnus  (Linnaeus). 

Scomber  thynnus  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,   1758,  297   (Europe; 

based  on  Scomber  pinnulis  8  seu  9,  of  Artedi). 
Scomber  albacores   Bonnaterre,   Tableau   Encyclo.,   Ichth.,    1788,    140 

(Jamaica;  based  on  Sloane). 
Thynnus  mcditerraneus  Risso,  Hist.  Nat.  Princ.  Prod.  1'Europe,  III, 

1826,  414  (Nice). 
Thynnus  vulgaris  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VIII,  1831, 

58,  PI.  CCX  (European  Seas). 
Thynnus  brachypterus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VIII, 

1831,  98,  PI.  CCXI  (Mediterranean). 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   315 

Thynnus  coretta  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VIII,  1831, 

1 02  (Caribbean  Sea). 
Scomber  sloanei  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VIII,  1831, 

148  (Jamaica). 
Thynnus  secundo-dorsalis  Storer,  Fishes  Massachusetts,  1867,  66,  PI. 

XII,  fig.  4  (Cape  Ann  and  Provincetown). 
Orcynus  schlegelii  Steindachner  &  Doderlein,  Beitr.  zur  Kennt.  der 

Fische  Japan,  III,  1885,  n,  PI.  Ill,  fig.  i  (Tokio). 
Orcynus  thynnus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI,  1883, 

429. 
Albacora  thynnus  Dresslar  &  Fesler,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish.  Comm.,  VII, 

1887  (1889),  439. 
Thunnus  thynnus  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 

1896,  870. 

Head  3.28;  depth  4.05;  D.  XIV-I4-IX;  A.  ii-VIII. 

Body  oblong,  rather  deep,  compressed,  rather  robust;  dorsal  and 
ventral  outlines  about  evenly  curved;  head  large;  snout  pointed,  its 
length  3.15  in  head;  eye  5.85;  mouth  moderate,  oblique;  jaws  sub- 
equal  ;  maxillary  reaching  anterior  margin  of  pupil,  2.56  in  head ;  teeth 
in  jaws  small,  in  a  single  series ;  those  on  vomer  and  palatines  in  villi- 
form  bands;  gill-rakers  slender,  nearly  as  long  as  eye,  28  on  lower 
limb  of  first  arch;  lateral  line  without  a  distinct  curve,  with  a  feeble 
keel  on  caudal  peduncle;  body  wholly  covered  with  scales,  those  of 
corselet  notably  larger  than  the  rest ;  first  dorsal  with  14  spines,  the  an- 
terior ones  rather  high,  about  as  long  as  snout  and  half  of  eye ;  second 
dorsal  and  anal  similar,  the  anterior  rays  moderately  elevated,  each 
with  8  or  9  finlets;  caudal  very  broadly  forked;  ventrals  of  moderate 
length,  as  long  as  longest  dorsal  spine;  pectorals  rather  long,  1.6  in 
head. 

Color  bluish  above;  grayish  below,  with  silvery  streaks  and  spots. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us.  It  is  here  described  from  a  single 
specimen  from  Woods  Hole,  Massachusetts,  which  measures  665  mm. 
in  length. 

Known  from  all  warm  seas;  not  recorded  from  either  coast  of 
Panama. 

94.  Genus  Germo  Jordan. 

Orcynus  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  I,  II,  1817,  314  (type  Scomber  ger- 
mon  Lacepede=.5V0w&£r  alahmga  Gmelin;  name  preoccupied). 

Germo  Jordan,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1888,  180  (type  Scomber 
alalunga  Gmelin). 


316   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Body  short,  very  robust,  slightly  compressed;  head  rather  large, 
tapering  strongly  to  pointed  snout;  mouth  moderate;  maxillary  not 
concealed  by  preorbital ;  teeth  small,  in  a  single  series  on  jaws,  in  villi- 
form  bands  on  vomer  and  palatines;  gill-rakers  of  moderate  length, 
rather  numerous;  lateral  line  without  a  distinct  arch  or  curve;  a  well 
developed  keel  on  caudal  peduncle;  scales  small,  covering  entire  body; 
corselet  indistinct;  first  dorsal  with  14  spines;  interval  between  dorsal 
fins  short;  second  dorsal  and  anal  each  followed  by  7  or  8  finlets; 
ventrals  rather  small;  pectorals  extremely  long,  much  longer  than  head 
in  adult,  from  2.3  to  3.0  in  length  of  body,  inserted  on  level  with  about 
middle  of  eyes. 

239.     Germo  alahmga  (Gmelin). 

Ala-lunga  Cetti,  Hist.  Nat.  Sard.,  Ill,  1777,  191   (Sardinia). 

Scomber  alatunga  Gmelin,  Syst.  Nat.,  1789,  1330  (based  on  Cetti;  mis- 
print for  "alalunga"). 

Scomber  germo  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  II,  1800,  598   (17°   S. 
lat.;  103°  W.  long.). 

Thynnus  atlanticus  Lesson,  Voy.  Coquille,  Zool.,  II,  1828,  165  (At- 
lantic Ocean). 

Thynnus  balteatus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.   Nat.  Poiss.,  VIII, 
1831,  136  (Tropical  parts  of  Atlantic). 

Thynnus  pacificus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.   Nat.   Poiss.,  VIII, 
!83i,  133  (26°  and  27°  S.  lat.;  103°  W.  long.). 

Thynnus  argenti-vittatus  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,   Hist.   Nat.   Poiss., 
VIII,  1831,  134  (Atlantic  and  the  Indies). 

Thynnus  albacora  Lowe,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1839,  77  (Madeira). 

Thynnus  macropterus  Temminck  &   Schlegel,   Fauna  Japon.,   Pisces, 
1850,  98,  PI.  LI  (Japan). 

Orcynus  subulatus  Poey,  Enumeratio,  1875,  71   (Cuba). 

Orcynus  alalonga  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI,  1883, 
428. 

Albacora  alalonga  Dresslar  &  Fesler,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish.  Comm.,  VII, 
1887  (1889),  438- 

Germo  alalunga  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 
1896,  871,  PI.  CXXXIV,  fig.  367. 
Head  3.15  to  3.3;  depth  4.3;  D.  XIV-I3  or  14- VIII;  A.  II-I3 

or  14- VII. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   317 

Body  rather  short,  very  robust,  slightly  compressed;  head  large; 
snout  rather  short  and  sharply  pointed,  its  length  3.05  to  3.2  in  head; 
eye  445  to  5.1;  mouth  rather  small,  little  oblique;  jaws  subequal; 
maxillary  reaching  slightly  past  anterior  margin  of  the  large  eye,  2.7 
to  2.8  in  head;  teeth  small,  those  on  jaws  in  a  single  series,  those  on 
vomer  and  palatines  in  villiform  bands;  gill-rakers  slightly  more  than 
half  the  length  of  eye,  22  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch ;  lateral  line  without 
distinct  arch  or  curve;  a  well  developed  keel  on  caudal  peduncle;  en- 
tire body  covered  with  small  scales;  corselet  indistinct;  first  dorsal 
with  14  spines,  the  anterior  ones  the  longest,  slightly  longer  than  the 
snout,  the  posterior  ones  very  short,  contiguous  to  soft  dorsal;  second 
dorsal  and  anal  similar,  very  small,  each  followed  by  7  or  8  finlets; 
caudal  very  broadly  forked ;  ventral  small,  about  as  long  as  snout ;  pec- 
torals extremely  long,  much  longer  than  head,  2.3  to  3.0  in  length  of 
body. 

Color  in  spirits  bluish  or  brownish  above,  silvery  below;  sides  Be- 
low lateral  line  with  rather  indistinct,  pale,  longitudinal  streaks. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us.  Here  described  from  a  well  pre- 
served specimen,  580  mm.  in  length,  from  Chile  and  from  a  skin,  about 
825  mm.  in  length,  from  Santa  Barbara,  California. 

A  pelagic  species,  recorded  from  all  tropical  seas,  but  not  from 
either  coast  of  Panama. 


95.   Genus  Sarda  Cuvier. 

S'arda  Cuvier,  Regne  Anim.,  Ed.   II,  II,   1829,   199    (type  Scomber 

sarda  Bloch). 
Pelamys  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VIII,  1831,  149 

(type  Scomber  sarda  Bloch;  name  preoccupied). 

Body  elongate,  somewhat  compressed;  head  large,  pointed;  mouth 
large;  maxillary  not  concealed  by  preorbital;  teeth  on  jaws  rather 
strong,  slightly  compressed,  similar  teeth  on  palatines,  none  on  vomer 
and  tongue;  gill-rakers  rather  short  and  few  in  number;  scales  small, 
those  of  pectoral  region  forming  a  distinct  corselet;  caudal  peduncle 
with  a  distinct  keel  in  lateral  line,  and  a  very  feeble  one  above  and  be- 
low it;  first  dorsal  with  1 8  to  22  rather  strong  spines,  gradually  short- 
ened behind ;  interval  between  dorsal  fins  slight ;  second  dorsal  and  anal 
similar,  each  followed  by  from  6  to  9  detached  finlets ;  caudal  broadly 
forked;  ventrals  and  pectorals  small,  the  latter  inserted  slightly  above 
the  level  of  lower  margin  of  eyes. 


318    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

KEY   TO   THE   SPECIES. 

a.  Gill-rakers  long,  the  longest  equal  to  length  of  eye,  16  or  17  on 
lower  limb  of  first  arch;  first  dorsal  with  18  or  19  spines;  max- 
illary posteriorly  broad  and  rounded,  reaching  posterior  margin 
of  eye,  2.0  to  2.16  in  head.  chilensis,  p.  318. 

aa.  Gill-rakers  of  moderate  length,  about  three-fourths  length  of 
eye,  12  to  14  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  first  dorsal  with  20  or 
21  spines;  maxillary  posteriorly  broad  and  rounded,  reaching 
to  or  slightly  past  posterior  margin  of  eye,  1.95  to  2.04  in  head. 

sarda,  p.  319. 

aaa.  Gill-rakers  short,  the  longest  scarcely  two-thirds  the  length  of 
of  eye,  9  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  first  dorsal  with  18  spines; 
maxillary  posteriorly  only  slightly  broadened,  reaching  notably 
beyond  eye,  1.88  in  head.  velox  sp.  nov.,  p.  320. 

240.    Sarda  chilensis  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Pelamys  chilensis  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VIII,  1831, 

163  (Valparaiso,  Chile). 
Pelamys  orientalis  Temminck  &  Schlegel,  Fauna  Japon.,  Pisces.  1850, 

99,  PI.  LII  (Japan). 
Pelamys  lineolata  Girard,   (House  of  Repr.  Ex.  Doc.  No.  91)   Kept. 

Expl.  &  Surv.  Miss.  R.  to  Pac.  O.,  X,  Pt.  IV,  1858,  106   (San 

Diego,  Cal.). 
Sarda  chilensis  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI,  1883, 

428;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896, 

872 ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV,  1904,  68. 

Head  3.27  to  3.85;  depth  4.3  to  5.15;  D.  XVIII  or  XIX-I3  to 
i5-VIIIor  IX;  A.  II,  n  to  13. 

Body  elongate,  rather  slender,  compressed;  dorsal  and  ventral  out- 
lines about  evenly  curved;  head  long,  compressed;  snout  pointed,  its 
length  2.95  to  3.25  in  head;  eye  5.6  to  7.2;  mouth  large,  slightly 
oblique;  jaws  subequal;  maxillary  rather  long,  broad  and  rounded  pos- 
teriorly, reaching  posterior  margin  of  eye,  2.0  to  2.16  in  head;  teeth 
on  jaws  of  about  equal  size,  curved  inward,  from  36  to  50  on  each  jaw; 
gill-rakers  rather  numerous,  usually  about  as  long  as  eye,  16  or  17  on 
lower  limb  of  first  arch ;  lateral  line  slightly  wavy,  becoming  horizontal 
under  about  the  second  dorsal  finlet;  moderately  developed  keel  on 
caudal  peduncle;  first  dorsal  with  18  or  19  spines,  the  anterior  ones  long 
and  slender,  usually  slightly  longer  than  snout;  second  dorsal  and  anal 
similar,  more  or  less  falcate,  their  outer  margin  notably  concave,  the 
latter  inserted  under  or  slightly  behind  last  rays  of  dorsal,  each  with  6 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   319 

to  9  detached  finlets ;  ventral  small,  somewhat  shorter  than  snout ;  pec- 
torals short,  2.04  to  2.65  in  head. 

Color  bluish  above,  pale  or  silvery  below ;  back  and  sides  with  about 
5  dark  lines  running  obliquely  backward  and  upward ;  ventrals  and  anal 
pale,  other  fins  with  more  or  less  dusky.  Specimens  from  southern  lo- 
calities are  darker  than  those  from  more  northern  waters. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us.  It  is  here  described  from  8  speci- 
mens from  Santa  Barbara,  California,  and  Callao,  Peru,  ranging  in 
length  from  270  to  675  mm. 

Its  relationship  is  close  to  Sarda  sarda,  its  Atlantic  congener,  from 
which  it  differs  mainly  in  the  fewer  dorsal  spines,  and  more  numerous 
gill-rakers. 

Known  from  the  Pacific;  on  the  American  coast  from  San  Fran- 
cisco to  Chile.  Also  recorded  from  Japan.  Recorded  from  Panama 
by  Gilbert  &  Starks  (1904). 

241.     Sarda  sarda  (Bloch). 

Scomber  pelamys  Brunnich,  Ichth.  Massil.,  1768,  69  (Marseilles;  not 

of  Linnaeus). 
Scomber    sarda    Bloch,    Ichthyol.,    X,    1793,    35,    PI.    CCCXXXIV 

(Europe). 
Scomber   mediterraneus   Bloch   &   Schneider,    Syst.    Ichth.,    1801,   23 

(Marseilles;  after  Brunnich). 
Scomber    pelamitus    Rafinesque,    Caratteri,    etc.,    1810,    44,    PL    II 

(Palermo). 
Pelamys  sarda  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VIII,  1831, 

149,  PI.  CCVII. 
Sarda  mediterraneus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI, 

1883,  427. 
Sarda  sarda  Dresslar  &  Fesler,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish.  Comm.,  VII,  1887 

(1889),  440,  PI.  VIII;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus., 

XLVII,  1896,  872. 

Head  3.45  to  3.7;  depth  4.4  to  5.4;  D.  XX  or  XXI-I4  to  17- VIII 
or  IX;  A.  II,  n  to  I3-VI  to  VIII. 

Body  elongate,  rather  slender,  compressed;  dorsal  and  ventral 
outlines  about  evenly  curved ;  head  long,  compressed ;  snout  pointed, 
its  length  2.95  to  3.2  in  head;  eye  5.12  to  6.65;  mouth  large,  slightly 
oblique;  upper  jaw  very  slightly  in  advance  of  lower;  maxillary 
long,  rounded  posteriorly,  reaching  to  or  past  posterior  margin  of 
eye,  1.95  to  2.04  in  head;  teeth  on  jaws  of  about  equal  size,  curved 
inward,  from  28  to  44  on  each  jaw;  gill-rakers  in  moderate  num- 


320    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

bers,  about  three-fourths  the  length  of  eye,  12  to  14  on  lower  limb- 
of  first  arch;  lateral  line  wavy,  becoming  horizontal  under  second 
dorsal  finlet;  a  prominent  keel  on  caudal  peduncle;  first  dorsal  with 
20  or  21  spines,  the  anterior  ones  about  the  length  of  snout;  second 
dorsal  and  anal  similar,  falcate  in  adult,  scarcely  so  in  young,  the 
latter  inserted  under  first  dorsal  finlet,  each  fin  with  from  6  to  9  detached 
finlets ;  ventrals  small,  somewhat  shorter  than  snout ;  pectorals  short,  2.2 
to  3.2  in  head. 

Color  bluish  above,  silvery  below;  back  and  sides  in  adult  with 
6  to  8  black  stripes,  running  backward  and  slightly  upward  to  back; 
young  with  more  or  less  distinct  cross-bars  above  lateral  line,  and 
without  black  longitudinal  stripes. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us.  We  have  examined  specimens 
from  the  Mediterranean,  Massachusetts,  Rhode  Island,  New  York, 
and  Maryland,  ranging  in  length  from  145  to  615  mm. 

A  pelagic  species  inhabiting  the  Atlantic  Ocean.  It  has  been 
taken  on  both  coasts  of  the  Atlantic.  There  appears,  however,  as 
yet  to  be  no  Central  or  South  American  record. 

242.     Sarda  velox  sp.  nov.  (Plate  XXIV.) 

Type  No.  81060,  U.  S.  N.  M.;  length  410  mm.;  Panama  City, 
Panama. 

Head  3.24;  depth  4.1;  D.  XVIII-i6-VIII ;  A.  II,  I2-VII. 

Body  elongate,  robust,  somewhat  compressed;  the  ventral  and 
dorsal  outlines  evenly  curved ;  head  long,  compressed ;.  snout  pointed, 
its  length  3.0  in  head;  eye  6.55;  mouth  very  large,  slightly  oblique; 
jaws  subequal;  maxillary  long,  only  slightly  broadened  posteriorly, 
reaching  well  beyond  posterior  margin  of  eye,  1.88  in  head;  teeth  in 
upper  jaw  of  moderate  size,  curved  inward,  about  40  in  number, 
those  in  lower  jaw  similar  but  larger,  about  22  in  number;  gill-rakers 
rather  few  and  short,  the  longest  about  two-thirds  the  length  of 
eye,  9  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  lateral  line  very  slightly  arched 
anteriorly,  becoming  horizontal  under  the  third  dorsal  finlet;  a  rather 
prominent  keel  on  caudal  peduncle;  first  dorsal  with  18  spines,  the 
anterior  ones  rather  high,  about  as  long  as  snout;  second  dorsal  and 
anal  similar,  their  margin  deeply  concave,  the  latter  inserted  under 
about  the  last  ray  of  dorsal,  each  with  7  or  8  detached  finlets;  ven- 
trals rather  small,  scarcely  as  long  as  snout;  pectorals  short,  2.4  in 
head. 

Color  very  dark  blue  above,  brownish  or  silvery  below;  back 
with  4  or  5  black  longitudinal  stripes;  opercle  and  preopercle  with 


o    2 


<   £ 


Or 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   321 

narrow,  alternating,  dark  brown  and  paler  stripes;  upper  surface 
of  head  and  a  narrow  region  about  spinous  dorsal  black;  ventral 
fins  pale  on  outside,  orange  brown  on  inside;  other  fins  all  black  or 
with  more  or  less  dusky. 

We  preserved  but  a  single  specimen  410  mm.  in  length.  Fishes 
of  this  genus  were  abundant  in  the  Panama  market  for  a  short  time  dur- 
ing the  middle  of  January,  1912,  and  then  suddenly  disappeared  and 
were  not  again  seen.  The  present  species  differs  from  its  near  relative, 
5*.  chilensis,  notably  in  the  fewer  and  shorter  gill-rakers ;  in  the  longer 
and  slightly  differently  shaped  maxillary,  and  in  the  more  robust  and 
deeper  body. 

Our  specimen  was  purchased  in  the  Panama  City  market. 

96.  Genus  Scomberomorus  Lacepede. 

Scomberomorus  Lacepede,  Hist.   Nat,  Poiss.,  Ill,    1802,  292    (type 

Scomberomorus  plumieri  I^acepede=Scomber  regalis  Bloch). 
Polipturus  Rafinesque,  Analyse   Nat.,  etc.,    1815,  84    (substitute   for 

Scomberomorus) . 
Cybium  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  II,  II,  1829,  199  (type  Scomber 

commersonii  Lacepede) . 
Chriomitra  Lockington,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1879,  J33   (tyP6 

Chriomitra  concolor  Lockington). 

Body  elongate,  more  or  less  compressed;  head  rather  low;  snout 
rather  long  and  pointed;  mouth  large;  maxillary  not  concealed  by 
the  preorbital;  teeth  in  jaws  rather  strong,  compressed,  more  or  less 
triangular,  with  sharp  cutting  edges;  vomer  and  palatines  with 
granular  teeth;  gill-rakers  rather  short  and  few  in  number;  scales 
small,  rudimentary,  not  forming  a  corselet;  caudal  peduncle  with  a 
rather  prominent  keel  in  lateral  line  and  a  feeble  one  above  and  below 
it;  first  dorsal  with  14  to  18  feeble  spines;  interval  between  dorsal 
fins  slight;  second  dorsal  and  anal  each  followed  by  7  to  10  finlets; 
ventrals  small;  pectorals  moderate,  inserted  near  the  level  of  eyes; 
alimentary  canal  short;  air  bladder  present. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 

a.  Body  very  slender,  its  depth  5.5  to  6.25  in  its  length;  gill- 
rakers  extremely  short,  not  more  than  one-fourth  the  length 
of  eye  in  adult,  7  or  8  more  or  less  developed  on  lower  limb 
of  first  arch;  lateral  line  with  an  abrupt  downward  curve 
under  second  dorsal;  sides  in  adult  plain  silvery,  without  spots 
or  streaks,  in  young  with  yellowish  spots.  cavalla,  p.  322. 


322    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

aa.  Body  deeper,  its  depth  usually  less  than  5.5  in  its  length; 
gill-rakers  longer  and  more  numerous,  not  fewer  than  10  on 
lower  limb  of  first  arch;  lateral  line  descending  gradually, 
not  with  an  abrupt  curve. 

b.  Gill-rakers  about  half  the  length  of  eye  in  adult,  10  to   12 
more  or  less  developed  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  sides  with 
bronzy  spots  or  dark  streaks  in  both  sexes  and  at  all  ages. 

c.  Pectorals  almost  wholly  covered  with  small  scales;  sides  with 
one  or  two  longitudinal  dark  streaks  and  a  few  rows  of  ellip- 
tical spots.  regalis,  p.  323. 

cc.  Pectorals  without  scales;  sides  with  bronzy  spots,  but  without 
dark  streaks.  maculatus,  p.  324. 

bb.  Gill-rakers  long  and  slender,  only  slightly  shorter  than  eye  in 
adult,  16  to  18  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  sides  in  male  plain 
silvery ;  female  with  brown  spots.  concolor,  p.  325. 

243.     Scomberomorus  cavalla  (Cuvier). 

Cybium  cavalla  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  II,  II,  1829,  200  (Brazil). 

Cybium  caballa  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VIII,  1831, 

187  (Brazil). 
Cybium  immaculatum  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VIII, 

1831,  191   (no  locality). 
Scomberomorus  caballa  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI, 

1883,  427- 

Scomberomorus  cavalla  Meek  &  Newland,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila., 

1884,  235;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII, 
1896,  875. 

Head  4.25  to  4.55;  depth  5.5  to  6.25;  D.  XIV-I7-IX;  A.  II,  14  to 
I7-IX  or  X. 

Body  elongate,  slender,  little  compressed;  the  back  scarcely  ele- 
vated; ventral  outline  slightly  more  rounded  than  the  dorsal;  head 
long  and  low;  snout  pointed,  its  length  2.45  to  2.5  in  head;  eye  5-° 
to  5-85;  mouth  large,  oblique;  jaws  subequal;  maxillary  reaching  to 
or  slightly  past  posterior  margin  of  eye,  1.65  in  head;  teeth  com- 
pressed, wide  at  base,  triangular,  40  to  44  on  each  jaw;  gill-rakers 
very  short,  about  one-fourth  the  length  of  eye  in  adult,  7  or  8  on  the 
lower  limb  of  first  arch;  lateral  line  with  an  abrupt  downward  curve 
under  origin  of  second  dorsal;  dermal  keel  on  caudal  peduncle  rather 
large;  first  dorsal  with  very  weak  spines;  second  dorsal  and  anal 
similar,  densely  scaled,  each  with  IX  or  X  detached  finlets;  origin 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   323 

of  second  dorsal  in  advance  of  anal;  ventrals  notably  longer  than 
eye  and  shorter  than  snout  in  adult;  pectorals  of  moderate  length, 
without  scales,  1.62  to  1.7  in  head. 

Color  plain  bluish  above,  pale  below;  no  markings  of  any  kind 
on  specimens  at  hand.  The  young  are  said  to  possess  yellowish  spots. 
Spinous  dorsal  mostly  pale ;  other  fins  pale  or  with  more  or  less  dusky. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us.  It  is  here  described  from  2 
large  specimens  from  Jamaica,  respectively  635  and  675  mm.  in  length. 

Known  on  the  Atlantic  coast  of  America  from  Massachusetts  to 
Brazil.  It  is  also  reported  from  Africa,  but  not  as  yet  from  Panama. 

244.    Scomberomorus  regalis  (Bloch). 

Scomber  regalis  Bloch,  Ichthyol.,  1795,  PI.  CCCXXXIII  (Martinique; 

after  a  drawing  by  Plumier). 
Scomberomorus  plumieri  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  Ill,  1802,  292 

(Martinique;  after  Aubriet's  copy  of  Plumier's  drawing). 
Cybium  regale  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.  II,  II,  1829,  121. 
Cybium  acervum  Cuvier  &  Valenciennes,  Hist.  Nat.  Poiss.,  VIII,  1831, 

186  (Cuba). 
Scomberomorus  regalis  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI, 

1883,  426;  Meek  &  Newland,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1884,  234; 

Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XpLVII,  1896,  875, 

PI.  CXXXV,  fig.  369. 

Head  4.2  to  4.25;  depth  4.8  to  5.5;  D.  XVII-i6-VIII  or  IX;  A.  II, 
14  or  I5-VIII. 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  the  back  scarcely  elevated;  the  ventral 
outline  more  strongly  curved  than  the  dorsal;  head  rather  long  and 
low;  snout  pointed,  its  length  2.4  to  2.56  in  head;  eye  5.15  to  5-88; 
mouth  large,  oblique;  maxillary  reaching  posterior  margin  of  eye,  1.7 
to  1.75  in  head;  teeth  in  specimens  at  hand  rather  wide  at  base, 
triangular,  compressed,  30  to  34  on  each  jaw;  gill-rakers  in  adult 
scarcely  half  the  length  of  eye,  n  or  12  on  the  lower  limb  of  first 
arch;  lateral  line  descending  obliquely  under  base  of  second  dorsal, 
becoming  horizontal  under  the  first  dorsal  finlet ;  dermal  keel  on  caudal 
peduncle  large ;  first  dorsal  with  slender  spines ;  second  dorsal  and  anal 
similar,  densely  scaled,  each  with  8  or  9  finlets;  origin  of  second 
dorsal  slightly  in  advance  of  anal;  ventral  fins  longer  than  eye,  but 
shorter  than  snout;  pectorals  of  moderate  length,  densely  scaled,  1.7 
to  1.85  in  head. 

Color  bluish  above,  silvery  below.  Preserved  specimens  at  hand, 
each  with  a  continuous  dark  streak  from  base  of  pectoral  to  near  last 


324   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

rays  of  dorsal,  there  breaking  tip  into  elliptical  spots;  above  and 
below  this  streak  a  row  of  elliptical  spots,  the  upper  row  sometimes 
more  or  less  connected,  forming  a  streak;  spinous  dorsal  white  at 
base,  margin  black;  other  fins  pale  or  dusky  in  spirits. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us.  It  is  here  described  from  3 
large  specimens  from  Key  West,  ranging  in  length  from  420  to  700 
mm.  This  fish  is  very  closely  related  to  5".  maculatus,  from  which  it 
differs  chiefly  in  color,  and  in  having  the  pectoral  fins  densely  scaled. 

Known  from  Massachusetts  southward  to  Brazil.  Said  to  be  very 
abundant  in  Cuba.  Not  recorded  from  Panama. 

245.    ScoMberaMra  Maculate  (Mitchill). 

Scomber  macttlatus  Mitchill,  Trans.  Lit,  &  Phil.  Soc,  N.  Y.,  I,  1815, 

426   (New  York). 
Cybium  maculatum  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  Ed.   II,  II,   1829,   121; 

Agassiz,  in  Spix,  Pise.  BrasiL,  1831,  103,  PL  LX;  Gunther,  Cat, 

Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  II,  1860,  372. 
Scomberomorus  maculatus  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Fish.  Comm., 

II,  1882  (1883),  106;  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat  Mus., 

XVI,  1883, 426;  Meek  &  Newland,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat  Sci.  Phfla.,  1884, 

233;  Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896, 

874,  PL  CXXXIV,  fig.  368. 
Scomberomorus  sierra  Jordan  &  Starks,  Proc.  CaL  Ac.  ScL,  2nd  Ser., 

V,  1895,  428   (Mazatlan);  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  CaL  Ac. 

Sci.,  IV,  1904,  68;  Snodgrass  &  Heller,  Proc.  Wash.  Ac.  ScL,  V, 

1905,  361 ;  Kendall  &  Raddiffe,  Memoir.  Mus.  Comp.  ZooL,  XXXV, 

1912,  96. 

Head  34  to  4^;  depth  4.35  to  5.7;  D.  XVII  or  XVIII-is  to  18- 
VIII  or  IX ;  A.  II,  15  to  I7-VIII  or  IX. 

Body  elongate,  compressed;  the  back  little  elevated;  dorsal  and 
ventral  outlines  about  evenly  rounded;  head  rather  long  and  low; 
snout  sharply  pointed,  its  length  2.6  to  3.07  in  head ;  eye  4.46  to  6.02 ; 
mouth  large,  slightly  oblique;  jaws  subeqnal  in  adult,  the  upper  one 
protruding  in  very  young ;  maxillary  long,  rounded  posteriorly,  reaching 
posterior  margin  of  eye,  1.65  to  1.8  in  head ;  teeth  in  jaws  compressed, 
very  variable  in  size  and  number,  from  24  to  50  in  each  jaw ;  gill-rakers 
slightly  more  than  half  the  length  of  eye  in  adult,  very  short  or  even 
rudimentary  in  very  young,  10  to  12  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch; 
lateral  Kne  wavy,  descending  obliquely,  becoming  horizontal  under 
last  rays  of  dorsal ;  dermal  keel  on  caudal  peduncle  small ;  first  dorsal 
with  slender  spines;  second  dorsal  and  anal  similar,  densely  scaled, 


DEC.  20,  1923.    FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.  325 

£3.ch  with  7  to  9  detached  finlets;  origin  of  second  dorsal  over  or  in 
advance  of  anal ;  ventrals  small,  equal  to  length  of  eye  in  young,  longer 
than  eye  in  adult ;  pectorals  extremely  short  in  very  young,  proportion- 
ately much  longer  in  adult,  not  covered  with  scales,  1.6  to  3.2  in  head. 

Color  of  back  bluish  green,  with  waves  of  darker  and  brighter  color ; 
sides  silvery,  washed  with  brown,  with  4  irregular  rows  of  yellow 
spots,  extending  from  pectorals  to  about  the  third  finlet  back  of  dorsal 
and  anal;  body  with  2  blackish  vertical  bands,  the  first  one  passing 
.around  the  body  between  the  fifth  and  sixth  dorsal  spines,  the  second 
one,  a  wider  and  more  distinct  one,  passes  around  the  body  at  origin 
of  second  dorsal  and  anal;  these  bands  only  occasionally  present; 
spinous  dorsal  pale  at  base,  otherwise  black;  soft  dorsal,  its  finlets, 
and  caudal  bluish  black,  with  green  at  base;  anal  and  its  finlets 
yellowish,  with  dark  points ;  ventrals  pale ;  pectorals  mostly  dark  green, 
with  black  tip.  The  above  color  description  is  based  on  a  fresh 
specimen  taken  in  the  Panama  market. 

We  have  24  specimens  of  this  species  from  the  Pacific,  which  range 
in  length  from  22  to  485  mm.  From  the  Atlantic  we  have  48  specimens, 
which  range  in  length  from  65  to  320  mm. 

We  are  unable  to  separate  the  specimens  from  the  opposite  coasts. 
As  already  stated  by  Gilbert  &  Starks  (1904),  the  backward  position 
of  the  second  dorsal,  which  has  been  given  as  the  chief  character  to 
distinguish  the  Pacific  coast  form  from  5.  maculatus,  is  absolutely  of 
no  value.  The  variation  with  respect  to  the  size  and  number  of  jaw 
teeth  is  remarkable,  but  apparently  of  no  specific  value. 

On  the  Pacific  coast  known  from  Cortez  Banks  south  to  the  Gala- 
pagos Islands ;  on  the  Atlantic  coast  from  Maine  to  Brazil.  Our  Pacific 
coast  specimens  are  from  Chame  Point,  Naos  Island,  Balboa,  and  the 
Panama  City  market.  The  Atlantic  coast  specimens  are  from  Mindi 
Cut;  Fox  Bay,  Colon,  and  Colon  market. 

246.     Scomberomoms  concolor  (Lockington). 

Chriomitra  concolor  Lockington,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1879,  134 

(Monterey  Bay,  Cal.). 
Scomberomoms  concolor  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.., 

1881,  45;  Meek  &  Newland,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1884,  233; 

Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  873. 
Cybium   concolor   Boulenger,   Boll.   Mus.   Zool.   Anat.   Torino,   XIV, 

No.  346,  1899,  3  (Panama  Bay). 

Head  4.77  to  5.15 ;  depth  4.3  to  4.5 ;  D.  XVII-i6  to  i8-VIII  or  IX; 
A.  II,  16  to  iS-VII  or  VIII. 


326    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

Body  robust,  rather  deep,  not  greatly  compressed;  back  somewhat 
elevated ;  dorsal  and  ventral  outlines  about  evenly  rounded ;  head  rather 
deep;  snout  sharply  pointed,  its  length  2.8  to  2.9  in  head;  eye  5.6  to 
6.3 ;  mouth  large,  oblique ;  maxillary  reaching  posterior  margin  of  eye, 
1.77  to  1.8  in  head;  teeth  small,  compressed,  rather  narrow  at  base, 
scarcely  triangular,  44  to  66  in  each  jaw;  gill-rakers  rather  long  and 
slender,  slightly  shorter  than  eye,  16  to  18  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch ; 
lateral  line  slightly  wavy,  descending  obliquely  and  very  gradually, 
becoming  horizontal  under  about  the  third  dorsal  finlet ;  keel  on  caudal 
peduncle  moderately  developed;  first  dorsal  with  very  weak,  slender 
spines ;  second  dorsal  and  anal  similar,  densely  scaled ;  origin  of  dorsal 
slightly  in  advance  of  anal ;  ventrals  short,  not  much  longer  than  eye ; 
pectorals  of  moderate  length,  without  scales,  1.5  to  1.75  in  head. 

Color  plain  bluish  above,  silvery  below;  no  markings  of  any  kind 
on  specimens  at  hand ;  fins  all  nearly  plain  brown  or  dusky.  The  female 
is  said  to  have  two  alternate  series  of  brown  spots  on  sides. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us.  It  is  here  described  from  4  large 
specimens  from  Sequel,  California,  ranging  from  570  to  615  mm.  in 
length. 

Known  from  Monterey  Bay,  California.  Recorded  from  Panama 
Bay  by  Boulenger  (1899) ;  not  seen  by  other  observers. 

97.    Genus  Acanthocybium  Gill. 

Acanthocybium   Gill,   Proc.   Ac.    Nat.    Sci.    Phila.,    1862,    125    (type 

Cybium  sara  Bennett) . 

Body  elongate,  fusiform;  head  long  and  low,  tapering  gradually 
to  the  long  beak-like  snout;  mouth  large;  maxillary  posteriorly 
concealed  by  preorbital;  teeth  on  jaws  rather  strong,  compressed, 
slightly  ovate;  vomer  and  palatines  with  large  patches  of  villiform 
teeth;  lateral  line  with  a  strongly  developed  keel  on  caudal  peduncle; 
scales  small,  covering  entire  body,  corselet  indistinct;  first  dorsal  very 
long,  with  26  spines;  interval  between  dorsal  fins  slight;  second  dorsal 
and  anal  each  followed  by  about  9  finlets;  ventrals  small;  pectorals 
moderate. 

247.  Acanthocybium  solandri  (Cuvier  &  Valenciennes). 

Cybium   solandri   Cuvier   &   Valenciennes,    Hist.    Nat.    Poiss.,   VIII, 

1831,    192    (After   MSS.   of   Solander;   open   sea;   exact  locality 

unknown) . 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.   327 

Cybium  sara  Lay  &  Bennett,  Zool.  Beechey's  Voyage,  Fishes,  1839,  63, 

PI.  XX,  fig.  2  (Loo  Choo). 

Cybiiim  petus  Poey,  Memorias,  II,  1860,  234,  PI.  XVI,  fig.  I  (Havana). 
Acanthocybium  petus  Poey,  Syn.  Pise.  Cub.,  1868,  363. 
Cybium  verany  Doderlein,  Giorn.  di  Sc.  Nat.,  Ed.  Econ.,  VIII,  1872, 

i  (Palermo). 
Acanthocybium  solandri  Jordan,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,   1884,  119; 

Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  876. 

Head  about  3.6;  depth  about  6.4;  D.  XXVI-I2-IX;  A.  II,  lo-IX. 

Body  very  elongate,  fusiform ;  the  back  little  elevated ;  head  long 
and  low;  snout  extremely  long,  beak-like,  its  length  1.95  in  head;  eye 
9.7;  mouth  large,  slightly  oblique;  the  lower  jaw  slightly  in  advance 
of  the  upper;  maxillary  reaching  anterior  margin  of  pupil,  1.94  in  head; 
teeth  in  jaws  compressed,  more  or  less  ovate ;  vomer  and  palatines  with 
large  patches  of  villiform  teeth;  lateral  line  with  a  rather  strongly 
developed  keel  on  caudal  peduncle;  entire  body  covered  with  small 
scales ;  corselet  indistinct ;  first  dorsal  very  long,  with  26  rather  slender 
spines;  second  dorsal  and  anal  similar,  small,  somewhat  elevated 
anteriorly,  each  with  9  finlets;  caudal  very  broadly  forked;  ventrals 
rather  small,  less  than  half  the  length  of  snout;  pectorals  moderate, 
1.94  in  head. 

Color  dark  above,  paler  below;  snout  and  upper  surface  of  head 
steel-blue  or  black. 

This  species  was  not  taken  by  us.  It  is  here  described  from  a  skin 
from  Key  West,  1200  mm.  in  length. 

A  pelagic  species,  recorded  from  nearly  all  warm  seas,  but  not  yet 
reported  from  either  coast  of  Panama. 

Family  XLIL    Trichiuridae. 

THE  CUTLASS-FISHES. 

Body  elongate,  strongly  compressed,  band-shaped,  the  tail  tapering 
to  a  point ;  head  long,  compressed ;  snout  more  or  less  beak-like ;  mouth 
large;  lower  jaw  projecting;  premaxillaries  not  protractile;  pseudo- 
branchiae  present;  gills  4,  a  slit  behind  the  fourth;  gill-membranes 
separate,  free  from  the  isthmus;  teeth  on  jaws  strong,  unequal;  lateral 
line  continuous;  scales  wanting;  dorsal  fin  very  long;  caudal  fin 
wanting;  anal  long  and  very  low,  composed  of  separate  spines  which 
scarcely  rise  above  the  skin ;  ventrals  thoracic,  rudimentary  or  wanting ; 
air  bladder  present;  vertebrae  about  160. 


328    FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

98.   Genus  Trichiurus  Linnaeus. 

Trichiurus  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  246  (type  Trichiunts 

lep turns  Linnaeus). 
Gymnogaster  Gronow,  Zoophyl.,  1763,  136  (type  Trichiurus  lepturus 

Linnaeus). 
Enchelyopus  Klein,  Neuer  Schauplatz,  etc.,  I,  1775,  32  (type  Trichiurus 

lepturus  Linnaeus). 
Lepturus  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  126  (type  Trichiurus 

lepturus  Linnaeus). 

Ventral  fins  wanting.  Other  characters  are  included  in  the  family 
description. 

248.  Trichiurus  lepturus  Linnaeus. 

Trichiurus  lepturus  Linnaeus,  Syst.  Nat.,  Ed.  X,  1758,  246  (America; 

after  Lepturus  of  Artedi)  ;  Giinther,  Cat.  Fish.  Brit.  Mus.,  II,  1860, 

346;  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XVI,  1883,  422; 

Jordan  &  Bollman,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  1889,  180  (Panama)  ; 

Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  889,  PI. 

CXXXVII,  fig.  375 ;  Gilbert  &  Starks,  Memoir.  Cal.  Ac.  Sci.,  IV, 

1904,  70. 
Trichiurus  argenteus  Shaw,  Gen.  Zool.,  IV,  1803,  90,  PI.  XII  (after 

Linnaeus). 
Lepturus  lepturus  Poey,  Enumeratio,  1875,  94. 

Head  6.8  to  8.8  in  total  length;  depth  13  to  18;  D.  120  to  137;  A. 
94  to  1 10. 

Body  extremely  elongate,  compressed,  band-like;  tail  slender, 
tapering  to  a  point;  head  long,  compressed;  snout  lieak-like,  its  length 
2.6  to  2.9  in  head;  eye  5.35  to  6.3;  mouth  large;  lower  jaw  strongly 
projecting;  maxillary  posteriorly  concealed  by  the  preorbital,  reaching 
about  anterior  margin  of  pupil,  2.2  to  2.7  in  head;  teeth  in  the  jaws 
strong  and  unequal,  compressed,  the  largest  ones  with  a  distinct  barb 
on  the  posterior  edge;  vomer  toothless;  palatines  with  a  very  narrow 
band  of  villiform  teeth;  gill-rakers  poorly  developed  and  of  unequal 
length,  from  5  to  15  more  or  less  developed  on  the  lower  limb  of  first 
arch;  lateral  line  directed  obliquely  downward  anteriorly,  running 
low  on  the  body,  and  following  the  curvature  of  the  belly;  scales 
wanting;  dorsal  fin  extremely  long,  beginning  over  the  indistinct 
margin  of  preopercle  and  occupying  the  whole  length  of  the  back; 
anal  with  very  short  detached  spines,  anteriorly  directed  backward,  pos- 
teriorly forward;  ventral  fins  wanting;  pectorals  small,  2.0  to  3.3  in 
head. 


DEC.  20,  1923.     FISHES  OF  PANAMA  —  MEEK  AND  HILDEBRAND.    329 

Color  uniformly  bright  silvery;  dorsal  with  more  or  less  dusky  on 
its  margin. 

We  have  1 1  specimens  of  this  species  from  the  Atlantic,  ranging  in 
length  from  300  to  870  mm.  From  the  Pacific  we  have  a  single 
specimen  360  mm.  in  length.  Besides  the  ones  taken  by  us  we  have 
examined  a  specimen  from  Panama  taken  by  the  Albatross,  one 
specimen  from  Guatemala,  and  one  small  specimen  from  Lower 
California.  The  Pacific  coast  specimens  average  fewer  dorsal  rays, 
the  range  for  the  4  specimens  at  hand  being  120  to  128,  average  122.5; 
the  range  for  10  Atlantic  specimens  is  126  to  137,  average  132.9. 
The  maxillary  of  the  Pacific  coast  specimens  appears  to  be  slightly 
shorter,  ranging  2.5  to  2.7  in  head;  the  range  for  10  Atlantic  coast 
specimens  is  2.2  to  2.5.  To  determine  definitely  the  exact  relationship, 
a  larger  series  of  specimens  from  the  Pacific  coast  is  necessary. 

Widely  distributed  in  warm  seas.  Occurring  on  both  coasts  of 
tropical  America.  Our  Atlantic  coast  specimens  are  from  Mindi 
Cut  and  Colon  market.  The  Pacific  coast  specimen  is  from  Chame 
Point. 

Family  XLIII.    Nematistiidse. 
THE  PAPAGALLOS. 

Body  oblong,  deep  anteriorly,  rather  strongly  depressed ;  head  short 
and  blunt,  little  longer  than  high,  its  upper  profile  strongly  convex; 
eyes  placed  high,  near  the  snout  and  upper  profile;  mouth  large, 
oblique;  the  maxillary  reaching  well  past  anterior  margin  of  eye; 
teeth  small,  in  villiform  bands  on  jaws,  vomer  and  palatines;  opercle 
unarmed;  branchiostegals  6;  gill-rakers  well  developed;  scales  small, 
cycloid;  lateral  line  well  developed,  without  a  prominent  arch,  and 
unarmed;  dorsal  fins  2,  each  with  a  very  high  sheath  at  the  base; 
the  first  dorsal  with  8  spines,  all  except  the  first  one  produced  into  long 
filamentous  spines ;  second  dorsal  long  and  low ;  caudal  fin  forked ; 
anal  low  and  shorter  than  second  dorsal,  with  2  short  spines;  ventral 
fins  large,  inserted  under  the  bases  of  the  pectorals,  with  I,  5  rays; 
pectoral  fins  long  and  falcate  in  adult.  Only  one  species  known. 

99.  Genus  Nematistius  Gill. 

Nematistius  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  258  (type  Nematistius 
pectoralis  Gill). 
The  characters  of  the  genus  are  included  in  the  family  description. 


330   FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  XV. 

This  genus  is  closely  allied  to  Seriola,  from  which  it,  however,  differs 
notably  in  the  prolongation  of  the  dorsal  spines  and  pectoral  fins. 

249.  Nematistius  pectoralis  Gill. 

Nematistius  pectoralis  Gill,  Proc.  Ac.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  1862,  259  (Cape 

San  Lucas)  ;  Steindachner,   (Sitzb.  k.  Ak.  Wiss.  Wien,  LXXII) 

Ichth.  Beitr.,  IV,  1875,  n;  Jordan  &  Gilbert,  Proc.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,    1881,   277;   Jordan,   Proc.   U.    S.    Nat.    Mus.,    1885,   375; 

Jordan  &  Evermann,  Bull.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  XLVII,  1896,  895, 

PI.   CXXXVIII,  fig.   377;   Gilbert  &   Starks,   Memoir.   Cal.   Ac. 

Sci.,  IV,  1904,  70. 

Head  3.32  to  3.7;  depth  2.9  to  3.25;  D.  VIII-I,  26  or  27;  A.  II, 
1 6  or  17;  scales  about  130. 

Body  deep,  much  compressed;  the  back  elevated;  anterior  profile 
strongly  convex;  head  short  and  deep;  snout  very  blunt,  3.6  to  4.3 
in  head;  eye  3.1  to  4.3;  mouth  large;  jaws  subequal;  maxillary  broad, 
reaching  nearly  to  posterior  margin  of  eye,  1.95  to  2.1  in  head;  teeth 
small,  in  villiform  bands,  present  on  jaws,  vomer  and  palatines; 
gill-rakers  well  developed,  9  or  10  on  lower  limb  of  first  arch;  scales 
small,  present  on  head  and  body;  snout  mostly  naked;  lateral  line 
with  a  long,  low  arch,  becoming  horizontal  above  middle  of  base  of 
anal,  unarmed;  dorsal  and  anal  with  a  high  sheath  of  scales  at  base; 
the  first  dorsal  with  8  spines,  all  except  the  first  one  much  produced, 
bearing  long  filaments ;  second  dorsal  long  and  low ;  caudal  fin  forked ; 
anal  fin  with  2  short  spines,  and  16  or  17  soft  rays;  ventral  fins  inserted 
under  base  of  pectorals,  rather  large;  pectoral  fins  long  and  falcate, 
longer  than  head  in  adult,  shorter  than  head  in  young,  2.8  to  4.9  in 
length  of  body. 

Color  grayish  green  above,  silvery  below ;  snout  with  a  dark  band ; 
another  on  forehead,  from  eye  to  eye;  a  third  one  from  nape  across 
opercle;  a  fourth  one  at  origin  of  spinous  dorsal,  running  downward 
and  backward ;  a  fifth  one  under  posterior  spines  of  first  dorsal ;  back 
of  this  one  are  3  black  blotches,  the  last  one  being  at  base  of  caudal; 
dorsal  filaments  with  alternating  black  and  pale  bars;  second  dorsal 
with  indistinct  alternating  black  and  pale  bars;  other  fins  black  and 
white,  without  distinct  bars. 

There  are  4  small  specimens,  50  to  200  mm.  in  length,  in  the 
present  collection.  Three  of  these  were  sent  by  Mr.  Robert  Tweedlie. 

Known  from  Gulf  of  California  south  to  Panama.  Our  specimens 
are  from  Chame  Point. 


—       1          •*.  :   . 


